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FROM 

W.A.  lEARY&CO.'S 

CHEAP  BOOK  STORE, 

No.  138  North  2r1  St., 

10  doors  below  New, 

Philada. 


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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/chcompanOOhabe 


"  Give  ear  to  my  words,  0  Lord  !  con- 
sider my  meditation.  Hearken  unto  the 
voice  of  my  cry,  my  King  and  my  Lord ! 
for  an  to  thee  will  I  pray." — Ps.  V,  1.  2. 


—  \ 

chr. l^i ^IUU14 1936  . 


CONTAINING 

MORNING    AND    EVENING 


EVERY    DAY    IN    THE    WEEK. 

BY 

Br.  Snjm  Iflhiraun. 


DR.     NEUMAN'S 

PRAYER   OF  PRAYERS, 

AND    A    COLLECTION    OF 

Blnrtmtg  nl  taring  Itjmia 


fjarrisbnrg,  $)a. 

PUBLISHED    BY    SCHEFFER   &    BECK, 
1851. 


^OT5CO^QOO<^^OOOOC*S€>OOC>OOOO^fr 


PREFACE. 

THIS  small  but  excellent  book 
of  Prayers,  originally  written  in 
the  German  language,  has  had  an 
extensive  circulation  among  the 
German  part  of  our  citizens,  as  well 
as  among  the  countrymen  of  its  tru- 
ly worthy  author;  a  number  of  edi- 
tions in  the  German  language  have 
found  a  ready  sale,  and  frequent  en- 
quiries have  been  made  for  it  in  the 
English  language  by  those  who  have 
made  use  of  it,  and  have  tested  its 
excellency,  which  has  induced  the 
publisher  to  have  it  translated. — 
!  The  translation  is  not  indeed  a  lit- 
eral one,  but  whilst  the  translator 
has  availed  himself  of  the  liberty  of 
expressing  himself  freely,  yet  in  no 
instance  has  he  departed  from  the 
sense  and  spirit  of  the  author's  de- 
votions. 


VI  PREFACE. 

The  Prayers  are  in  a  great  meas- 
ure composed  of  Scripture  passages, 
interspersed  and  connected  with  the 
devotional  feelings  v,t  its  author — 
they  breathe  a  spirit  of  true  heart- 
felt piety,  and  are  an  evidence  that 
the  author  was  indeed  a  man  of  God. 

THE    PUBLISHER. 


PRAYERS. 


Prayer  before  ive  enter  the  house 
of  God. 

ALMIGHTY  GOD!  Heavenly 
Parent,  in  reliance  upon  thine 
abundant  mercy,  1  will  enter  thy 
earthly  sanctuary,  and  worship  to- 
ward thy  holy  temple  in  thy  fear. 
Lead  me,  O  Lord,  in  thy  righteous- 
ness, make  thy  way  straight  before 
my  face — make  me  to  go  in  the  path 
of  thy  commandments,  for  thou  art 

>  my  Lord  and  the  God  of  my  salva- 
tion. Thy  dwelling  is  my  delight, 
and  my  soul  longeth  after  the  as- 
semblies of  thy  saints,  who  praise 
and  adore  thy  name.  How  amiable 
are    thy    tabernacles ,    O  Lord    of 

i  hosts !   My  soul  longeth,  yea,  even 


8  PRAYER    FOR    SUNDAY    MORNING. 

fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the  Lord. 
O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow 
down  ;  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord 
our  Maker;  for  he  is  our  God,  and 
we  the  people  of  his  pasture  and  the 
sheep  of  his  fold.  Exalt  ye  the 
Lord  our  God,  and  worship  at  his 
footstool,  for  he  is  holy.  My  prayer 
is  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  in  an  accept- 
able time ;  O  God,  in  the  multitude 
of  thy  mercy  hear  me,  in  the  truth 
of  thy  salvation.     Amen. 

PRAYER. 

For  Sunday  Morning. 

Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father, 
Eternal  God,  blessed  be  thine  al- 
mighty power,  adored  thine  infinite 
goodness,  and  praised  thine  eternal 
wisdom  and  truth,  that  in  the  dan- 
gers of  the  night  which  has  just 
passed,  thine  arm  was  stretched  out 
for  my  protection,  that  thou  hast  per- 
mitted me  to  rest   my  weary  limbs 


PRAYER    FOR    SUNDAY    MORNING.  9 

secure  and  safe  under  the  shadow 
of  thy  wings — that  thou  hast  pre- 
served me  from  the  evil  one  and  from 
his  evil  machinations,  and  that  thy 
fatherly  care  has  been  manifested  to- 
wards me,  Therefore  I  praise  thee 
for  thy  mercy  and  thy  wondrous 
works  towards  the  children  of  men, 
I  will  praise  the  Lord  with  my 
whole  heart  in  the  assembly  of  the 
upright,  [Ps.  3,  J.]  and  in  the  con- 
gregation, his  praise  shall  continu- 
ally be  in  my  mouth,  [Ps.  34,  1.] 
— my  soul  shall  bless  the  Lord  at 
all  times  and  all  that  is  within  me 
thy  holy  name;  let  me  never  forget 
thy  mercies  and  the  multitude  of  thy 
favours — let  the  praise-offering  of 
my  lips,  which  I  bring  unto  thee  in 
the  morning,  in  the  simplicity  of 
soul,  prove  an  acceptable  offering  in 
thy  sight  —  I  pray  thee  to  be  with 
me  this  day,  preserve  me  from  every 
danger,  ward  off  every  thing  which 
may  prove  injurious  to  my  body  and 

2 


10         PRAYER    FOR    SUNDAY    MORNING. 

hurtful  to  my  soul ;  give  thy  holy 
angels  charge  concerning  me,  that 
they  guard  me  in  all  my  ways,  sur- 
round me  with  thy  defence,  and  make 
me  to  go  in  the  path  of  thy  com- 
mandments, that  I  may  walk  with- 
out blemish  in  thy  service,  as  the 
children  of  light,  to  thy  honour  and 
glory. — Preserve  me  from  the  evil 
one,  and  the  seduction,  temptations 
and  snares  of  the  world  ;  subdue 
my  passions,  that  I  may  not  be 
overcome  by  them,  and  sin  against 
thee,  O  God,  and  thus  by  my  sins 
provoke  thee  to  anger  —  Lead  and 
direct  me  by  thy  holy  spirit,  that  I 
may  undertake,  perform,  speak  or 
think  nothing,  except  that  which  is 
pleasing  in  thy  sight,  and  tends  to 
the  honour  of  thy  glorious  Majesty. 
Behold  Lord  I  give  myself  up  to 
thee  entirely,  this  day,  as  thine  own ; 
all  my  powers  and  faculties  both  of 
body  and  soul,  I  would  submit  to 
the  direction  of  thy  will,  and  com- 


PRAYER  FOR  SUNDAY  EVENING.    11 

mit  into  thy  hands  my  temporal  and 
spiritual  concerns.  Enable  me  to 
present  my  body  a  living  sacrifice, 
holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  that  I 
may  render  unto  thee  a  reasonable 
and  acceptable  service  ;  therefore,  O 
Holy  Father,  Almighty  God,  let  me 
be  thine  own,  direct  my  heart,  spirit 
and  thoughts  in  such  a  manner,  that 
I  may  know,  understand,  and  love 
nothing  as  much  as  thee.  [Ps.  5,3.] 
My  voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the 
morning,  0  Lord — in  the  morning 
will  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  thee, 
and  will  look  up,  early  will  I  call 
upon  thee,  and  my  praise  shall  not 
cease  in  the  night,  through  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Sunday  Evening. 

Eternal  God!  most  merciful 
Father !  let  my  prayer  be  set  forth 
before  thee  as  incense,  and  the  lift- 


12    PRAYER  FOR  SUNDAY  EVENING. 

ing  up  of  my  hands  as  the  Evening 
Sacrifice,  [Ps.  141,  2.]  whilst  I 
most  heartily  praise  and  thank  thee, 
that  thou  hast  preserved  me  this  day 
and  all  the  days  of  my  life  from  evil 
and  calamitv — that  thv  angels  have 
been  made  to  watch  over  me,  and 
that  I  have  been  preserved  from  the 
enemy  of  souls  ;  I  pray  thee  pardon 
all  my  sins,  forgive  what  I  have 
done  amiss,  and  do  thou  this  night 
further  surround  me  with  the  guard 
of  thv  holv  amrels — may  they  prove 
as  a  bulwork  and  defence  arouud  my 
bed,  that  I  may  escape  the  devices 
and  temptations  of  the  devil.  In 
kindness  aud  tender  mercy  behold 
me  the  creature  of  thy  hand — Save 
me  with  thine  outstretched  arm,  for 
with  my  soul  have  I  desired  thee  in 
the  night;  yea  with  my  spirit  with- 
in me,  will  I  seek  thee  early,  [Isa. 
26,  9.] — I  long  after  thy  mercy  and 
my  soul  trusteth  in  thee,  the  Living 
God  ;  thou  art  my  refuge  in  times 


PRAYER    FOR    SUNDAY    EVENING.  13 

of  deep  distress,  and  a  faithful  Sav- 
iour. Behold  Lord  whether  we  sleep 
or  watch,  we  are  thine — whether  we 
live  or  die  thou  art  our  God;  there- 
fore cry  I  unto  thee,  let  thy  Grace 
ever  be  nigh ;  surround  me  with  the 
defence  of  thy  power,  and  grant  that 
I  may  rest  secure,  enjoy  a  quiet 
sleep,  and  in  the  morning  awake  in 
health  and  renewed  strength.  In  the 
time  of  trouble  hide  me  in  thy  pa- 
vilion, in  the  secret  of  thy  tabernacle 
hide  thou  me — ^Hear,  O  Lord,  when 
I  cry  with  my  voice,  and  I  shall  fear 
no  evil,  though  I  walk  through  the 
valley  and  shadow  of  death  I  will 
fear  no  evil ;  for  thou  art  with  me, 
thy  rod  and  thy  staff  comfort  me — 
Grant,  Lord,  thy  grace,  that  my  body 
may  repose  sweetly  in  sleep,  but 
that  my  soul  may  ever  be  found 
watchful,  and  that  thou  mayest  con- 
tinually be  the  desire  of  my  heart: 
May  I  ever  be  enabled  so  to  keep 
thee  in  remembrance,  that  the  night 


14     PRAYER  FOR  SUNDAY  EVENING. 

of  sin  may  not  overtake  me — Keep 
me  from  sinful  and  abominable 
dreamings,  deliver  me  from  restless 
watchfulness,  from  over  -  anxious 
cares,from  evil  and  wicked  thoughts, 
and  from  every  harm.  Behold,  my 
Lord  and  my  God,  to  thy  gracious 
keeping  I  commend  myself  according 
to  body  and  soul,  as  well  as  my  dear 
family,  and  all  who  are  united  to  me 
by  their  ties  of  relationship  and 
friendship.  May  it  please  thee  to 
deliver  us :  Remove  not  from  us  thy 
tender  mercy — let  thy  loving  kind- 
ness and  truth  encompass  us ;  O 
clothe  us  this  night  with  thy  good- 
ness, surround  us  on  everv  side  with 
thy  grace,  and  may  we  rest  upon  thy 
loving  kindness,  that  our  bodies  may 
be  secure  from  harm  and  our  souls 
experience  no  evil. 


PRAYER    FOR    MONDAY    MORNING.         15 

PRAYER 

For  Monday  Morning. 

O  Thou  Immortal,  merciful  God. 
as  thou  didst  in  the  law  command 
thine  ancient  people  to  bring  a  sacri- 
fice of  praise  unto  thee  every  morn- 
ing, for  thy  preserving  care  and  good- 
ness, so  likewise  I  esteem  it  my  duty 
to  bring  my  morning  sacrifice  daily 
unto  thee  and  praise  thy  holy  Name, 
that  through  the  exceeding  riches  oi 
thy  grace  and  mercy,  I  have  been 
preserved  this  night  from  all  evil  and 
harm,  both  of  body  and  soul,  and  es- 
pecially from  the  assaults  of  the  greai 
enemy.  If  thou  hadst  not  been  my 
shield  and  defence, innumerable  evih 
would  have  surrounded  and  dangei 
have  overcome  me,  that  I  could  noi 
have  left  my  bed  and  risen  in  healtl 
— Therefore  doth  it  become  me  tc 
praise  my  God.  Early  do  I  seek 
thee,  and  in  the  morning  shall  my 
prayer  ascend  unto  thee,  that  thoi 


16        PRAYER    FOR    MONDAY    MORNING. 

wouldst  this  day  preserve  me  and  all 
mine,  from  the  devices  and  power  of 
the  devil,  from  sin  and  shame,  and 
from  all  evil — in  this  morning  hour 
may  thy  grace  be  abundantly  bestow- 
ed upon  me,  for  without  thee  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  do  any  thing  in  a  man- 
ner acceptable  unto  thee  :  on  this  day 
enable  me  to  begin  and  end  all  my 
undertakings  in  thy  name,  and  as  it 
becomes  thy  children  ;  may  all  that 
I  do  tend  to  thy  honor  and  glory, 
and  to  the  welfare  of  my  fellow-men. 
Preserve  my  soul  together  with  all 
its  powers  and  faculties,  my  under- 
standing and  reason  unto  me  O  Lord, 
that  I  may  ever  guard  against  the 
deceitfulness  of  the  great  adversary 
of  souls — Protect  me  from  the  de- 
struction that  wasteth  at  noon  day — 
Defend  me  from  all  open  and  avow- 
ed as  well  as  from  all  secret  enemies, 
that  with  all  their  cunning,  their 
plans  and  their  contrivances,  with  all 
their  power  and  rage,  exerted  pub- 


PRAYER    FOR    MONDAY    MORNING.  IT 

licly  or  privately,  they  shall  not  in- 
jure nor  destroy  me. 

O  Lord,  Father  and  God  of  my 
life,  give  me  not  a  proud  look,  but 
turn  away  from  thy  servants  always 
a  haughty  mind.  Turn  away  from 
me  vain  hopes  and  concupiscence — 
Let  not  the  greediness  of  the  belly 
nor  lust  of  the  flesh  take  hold  of  me; 
and  give  not  over  thy  servant  unto 
an  impudent  mind  :  through  thy  as- 
sistance I  will  pluck  out  and  cast 
from  me  the  eye  that  would  offend 
me  by  a  renunciation  of  all  sinful  de- 
sires of  the  heart.  Take  away  from 
me  every  thing  which  is  displeasing 
unto  thee  and  hurtful  to  myself;  and 
bestow  that  which  is  pleasing  in  thy 
sight,  and  which  will  burthen  my 
happiness,  so  that  with  a  believing 
heart  I  may  serve  thee.  Look  down 
upon  me,  thou  Saviour  of  the  world, 
with  an  eye  of  pity  and  compassion, 
enlighten  mine  eyes  that  I  may  see, 
and  my  heart  that  I  may  understand, 


18         PRAYER    FOR    MONDAY    EVENING. 

so  that  1  may  walk  by  the  brightness 
of  thy  light  which  enlightens  me, 
and  may  I  never  loose  thee,  The 
Great  Eternal  Lidit.     Amen, 


\*v 


PRAYER 

For  Monday  livening. 

O  thou  powerful  and  everlasting 
God,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  I  would  tender  unto  thee  my 
heartfelt  acknowledgments  of  grati- 
tude, that  through  thy  divine  protec- 
tion, this  day  has  been  spent  tree 
from  all  danger  and  harm,  that  no 
destructive  fires,  nor  deluging  waters 
have  been  heard  of  nor  come  nigh 
me;  that  ravenous  beasts  of  prey 
have  not  torn  me  to  pieces;  that  I 
have  not  fallen  by  the  edge  of  the 
sword  ;  that  my  enemies  have  not 
overcome  me;  that  neither  thieves 
nor  robbers  have  not  broken  in  upon 
me,  and  that  no  accident  has  injured 
|iie,  or  brought  me  nigh  unto  death. 


PRAYER    FOR    MONDAY    EVENING.         19 

In  short,  that  I  have  not  come  into 
perils  and  dangers,  threatening  both 
body  and  soul,  I  have  to  attribute  to 
thy  mercy,  for  thou  hast  preserved 
me  in  all  my  ways  ;  I  beseech  thee 
now  furthermore  pardon  all  the  sins 
I  have  committed  against  thee  in 
former  times,  and  take  me  and  all 
those  who  arc  near  and  dear  unto  me 
into  thy  keeping,  this  night  and 
through  the  remainder  of  our  pil- 
grimage here  below  ;  in  mercy  pre^ 
serve  us  from  all  fear  and  distress, 
from  the  delusions  and  craftiness  of 
the  devil,  wherewith  he  endeavors  to 
subdue  us,  both  by  day  and  by  night 

s  — preserve  us  from  the  pestilence 
that  walketh  in  darkness,  and  from 
the  snares  of  the  enemy:  deliver  us 
from  the  net  and  the  snares  laid  to 
entrap  our  souls.  Let  not  the  tempt- 
ations of  the  evil  one  be  greater  than 
our  strength,  but  rescue  us,  O  Lord> 

|  from  every  danger  which  may  threat- 
en either  body  or  soul ;  for  thou  Lord 


20        PRAYER    FOR    MONDAY    EVENING. 

art  my  rock  and  my  fortress  and  my 
deliverer:  My  God,  my  strength,  in 
thee  will  I  trust,  my  buckler  and  the 
horn  of  my  salvation  and  my  high 
tower.  [Ps.  18,  3.]  Therefore  thou 
ever  faithful  God,  let  thy  waking 
eyes  be  upon  me,  and  prove  thou  my 
defence  from  the  power  and  attacks 
of  the  great  enemy ;  be  our  watch  and 
guard,  surround  us  with  thy  protec- 
tion as  with  a  wall,  that  nothing  can 
harm  us,  for  in  thee  alone  is  our  salv- 
ation— to  thee  do  I  raise  mine  eyes, 
from  thee  alone  cometh  our  help.  Our 
help  cometh  from  the  Lord  who  hath 
created  heaven  and  earth.  Behold, 
as  the  eyes  of  servants  look  unto  the 
hand  of  their  masters,  and  as  the 
eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of 
her  mistress,  so  our  eyes  wait  upon 
the  Lord  our  God,  until  that  he  have 
mercy  upon  us :  Have  mercy  upon 
us,  O  Lord  have  mercy  upon  us,  for 
we  are  exceedingly  filled  with  con- 
tempt. Lift  upon  me  the  light  of  thy 


PRAYER  FOR  TUESDAY  MORNING.   21 

countenance,  that  I  may  not  sleep 
the  sleep  of  death,  O  thou  that  livest 
and  reignest  throughout  eternity. 
Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Tuesday  Morning. 

Blessed  he  God,  the  creator  of 
heaven  and  earth  !  Blessed  be  the 
Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who 
only  doeth  wondrous  things.  And 
blessed  he  his  glorious  name  forever! 
who  hath  created  the  day  and  the 
night,  and  divided  the  light  and  the 
darkness,  and  who  hath  ordained 
that  as  long  as  time  shall  be  and  the 
earth  stand,  they  shall  not  cease; 
in  order  that  mankind  may  rest  in 
the  hours  of  silent  darkness  and  re- 
turn by  morning  light  to  their  daily 
avocations.  Lord  how  manifold  are 
thy  works ;  in  wisdom  hast  thou 
made  them  all ;  the  earth  is  full  of 
thy  goodness.  For  these  thy  mercies 
we  should  praise  thee,  before  yet  the 


22   PRAYER  FOR  TUESDAY  MORNING. 

sun  arise,  and  draw  nigh  unto  thee 
with  the  dawn  of  the  morning. — 
Therefore  do  I  now  again  appear  in 
thy  presence,  to  praise  thee  for  the 
quiet  repose  and  refreshing  sleep 
which  in  the  past  night  1  have  en- 
joyed, and  that  I  am  tills  morning 
again  permitted  to  rise  in  health  and 
gladness,  I  beseech  thee,  preserve 
my  soul  this  day  as  it  were  in  the 
hollow  of  thy  hand  and  keep  my 
body  in  health  and  safety,  secure 
from  the  multiplied  calamities  which 
surround  me.  Be  thou  unto  me  a 
mighty  protection  and  a  strong  stay, 
a  defence  from  heat,  and  a  cover  from 
the  sun  at  noon,  a  preservation  from 
stumbling  and  a  help  from  falling, 
[Sir.  34, 16.]  that  no  calamity  over- 
take me.  O  merciful  God,  grant 
that  as  knowing  the  time,  that  now 
it  is  high  time  to  arise  out  of  the  sleep 
of  sin  and  unrighteousness,  for  now 
our  salvation  is  nearer  than  when 
we  believed,  and  since  the  night  is 


f>RAYER    FOR     TUESDAY    MORNING.        23 

far  spent  and  the  day  is  at  hand, 
grant  that  we  may  therefore  cast  off 
the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  on 
the  armor  of  lights  that  we  may  walk 
honestly  as  in  the  day :  not  in  riot- 
ins:  and  drunkenness,  not  in  cham- 
bering  and  wantonness,  not  in  strife 
and  enjoying,  but  that  we  may  put 
on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  true 
faith  and  goodness.  Waken  me  O 
Lord  in  the  morning,  and  incline  my 
ear  to  hear  thy  word,  that  I  may  re- 
ceive the  same  in  faith  and  treasure 
it  up  in  my  heart —  and  complying 
with  its  directions,  listen  to  the  cries 
and  supply  the  wants  of  the  poor 
and  distressed;  and  when  again  in 
days  of  distress  I  call  upon  thee,  O 
lend  a  listening  ear  to  the  voice  of 
my  supplications,  and  despise  not 
the  prayer  of  my  soul  when  death 
draws  nigh.  Early  shall  my  prayer 
come  before  thee,  incline  thine  ear  to 
my  cries,  and  in  the  morning  fill  us 
with  thy  grace,  then  shall  we  delight 


£4         PRAYER    FOR    TUESDAY    EVENING. 

and  rejoice  in  thee  all  our  days. — 
Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Tuesday  Evening. 

Merciful  God,  Holy  Father,  in 
the  day  time  I  cry  unto  thee  with 
my  voice — When  fear  taketh  hold 
on  me,  I  call  upon  thee,  and  in  the 
evening  will  I  remember  thy  good- 
ness and  truth,  which  thou  hast 
shown  unto  me  ;  especially  .would  I 
praise  thee  at  this  time,  that  out  of 
thy  free  and  unmerited  grace  and 
goodness ,  without  any  merit  or 
worthiness  on  my  part,  thou  hast 
made  me  to  dwell  in  safety  this  day 
which  now  is  past,  and  preserved 
me  from  innumerable  dangers  which 
might  have  overtaken  me;  that  thy 
fatherly  care  has  so  watched  over 
me,  that  the  evil  one  has  not  had 
power  over  my  life,  that  no  storms 
have  overtaken  me,  that  the  light- 
ning and  hail  have  not  destroyed  my 


PRAYER    FOR    TUESDAY    EVENING.  25 

life,  that  no  accident  has  befallen 
me,  whereby  an  arm  or  other  limb 
might  have  been  broken.  For  these 
things  would  I  now  and  at  all  times 
praise  and  magnify  thy  name  ;  and 
pray  thee  for  the  sake  of  the  dire 
sufferings  of  Jesus  Christ,thou  would 
pardon  the  sins  of  this  day,  and  de- 
fend me  during  the  silent  hours  of 
the  ensuing  night,  from  my  greatest 
enemy  the  devil,  from  sudden  alarms 
of  the  night,  that  no  calamity  over- 
take me,  and  no  imaginary  and  vis- 
ionary evils  haunt  my  mind.  Pre- 
serve me  together  with  all  my  con- 
nections from  dangers  by  fire  and 
water,  from  all  harm  and  evils  of 
body  and  soul.  May  I  repose  sweet- 
ly and  quietly,  undisturbed  with 
cares  and  disquietudes  of  mind,  that 
in  the  midnight  hours  of  darkness, 
with  the  eyes  of  faith  I  may  behold 
the  light  of  thy  reconciled  counte- 
nance beaming  upon  me.  For  thou 
art  a  clear  and  true  light  which  en- 


26        PRAYER    FOR    TUESDAY    EVENING. 

lightens  all  darkness  which  may  sur- 
round us.  Thou  Lord  God  art  pres- 
ent with  me ;  thou  art  my  rock  and 
my  fortress  and  my  deliverer,  my 
God,  my  strength,  in  whom  I  will 
trust,  my  buckler,  atid  the  hour  of 
my  salvation  and  my  high  tower. 
[Ps.  18,  3.]  Lord  my  God,  to  thee 
I  stretch  forth  my  hands  in  the  night; 
come  thou  unto  me  as  the  latter  rains 
which  moisten  the  earth.  Tarry  with 
us  Lord,  for  the  day  is  far  spent,  the 
night  is  at  hand,  and  there  is  none 
to  preserve  us  amidst  the  hours  of 
darkness  than  thou  alone  our  God — 
Hasten  to  my  relief,  and  keep  me 
safe  this  night,  that  my  soul  may  not 
sleep  the  sleep  of  sin,  and  that  my 
body  may  not  see  destruction.  Make 
me  to  wake  in  due  season ;  and  to 
hear  the  voice  of  joy  and  gladness, 
for  thy  word  and  statutes  are  my  de- 
light, and  the  consolation  of  my  soul; 
may  not  a  message  of  sorrow  salute 
mine  ears  in  the  morning  remove 


PRAYER    FOR    WEDNESDAY    MORNING.     27 

far  from  me  the  distress  of  my  spirit, 
for  thou  alone  canst  preserve  my  life, 
and  replenish  me  with  every  bless- 
ing and  grace  in  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord.   Amen. 

PRAYER 

For   Wednesday  Morning. 

Almighty  and  Most  Merciful 
God,  as  it  becomes  all  the  creatures 
of  thy  hand  to  praise  thee  continual- 
ly; as  also  the  feathery  tribe  in  the 
air  warble  their  songs  of  praise  unto 
thee  their  Creator  ;  so  also  would  I 
call  upon  my  soul  with  all  its  pow- 
ers to  magnify  thy  glorious  name, 
that  during  the  past  night  and  all  the 
days  of  my  life,  thy  preserving  care 
and  goodness  have  been  experienced 
by  thy  servant  unto  this  hour,  that 
thou  hast  made  me  to  wake  from 
sleep  this  morning,  and  in  health 
and  perfect  safety  to  see  the  light  of 
another  day — Through  the  health- 
ful resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from 


28     PRAYER    FOR    WEDNESDAY    MORNlisv*. 

the  dead,  I  beseech  thee  furthermore 
in  mercy  and  with  a  kind  regard,  to 
look  down  upon  me  and  all  who  are 
united  to  me  by  the  ties  of  consan- 
guinity or  in  any  other  manner :  O 
Lord, save  thy  people  and  bless  thine 
inheritance ;  feed  them  also  and  lift 
them  up  forever.  In  the  morning 
hour  fill  me  with  thy  grace,  over- 
shadow me  with  thy  glory,  that  this 
day  may  be  spent  in  thy  fear,  that 
I  may  be  obedient  to  all  thy  com- 
mandments, and  may  never  be  guilty 
of  a  sin  which  is  unto  death.  Pour 
out,  O  Lord,  thy  blessings  in  rich 
abundance,  like  the  dews  of  the 
morning  and  like  the  early  and  lat- 
ter rains  which  descend  and  fructify 
the  earth;  thus  may  I  be  enlivened, 
quickened  and  made  to  bear  much 
fruit  to  thy  glory.  Guide  and  direct 
me  by  thy  spirit,  that  I  may  serve 
thee  with  a  sincere  heart,  in  right- 
eousness and  true  holiness,  which  is 
an  acceptable   offering — Keep  me 


PRATER    FOR    WEDNESDAY    MORNING.    29 

from  sinning  against  thee,  enable  me 
to  abstain  from  fleshy  lusts  which 
war  against  the  soul  —  Keep  my 
tongue  from  evil  speaking  and  my 
lips  from  deceit;  let  unbecoming 
words  and  sinful  expressions  be  far 
from  me.  Grant  that  I  may  ever  be 
on  my  guard  and  speak  evil  of  no 
one — nor  condemn  or  judge  harshly 
any  of  my  fellow  creatures,  nor  slight 
or  despise  them.  O  that  I  could  set 
a  watch  before  my  mouth  and  a  seal 
of  wisdom  upon  my  lips,  that  I  fall 
not  suddenly  by  them,  and  that  my 
tongue  destroy  me  not —  Give  grace 
that  I  may  know  and  evermore  con- 
fess my  errors  that  here  I  may  be 
judged  and  condemned  by  my  own 
conscience,  so  that  I  may  not  fall  in- 
to thy  judgment  and  lie  under  thy 
righteous  condemnation.  Hear  and 
answer  these  imperfect  petitions,  O 
Lord  thou  eternal  God,  through  Je- 
sus Christ  thy  Son.     Amen. 


SO    PRAYER    FOR    WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

PRAYER t 

For   Wednesday  Evening. 

O  Thou  Blessed  and  Adorable 
Trinity,  in  one  Godhead  —  Thou 
who  art  my  life,  my  salvation  and 
my  sure  refuge  in  times  of  distress — 
my  voice  shall  be  raised  in  prayer 
unto  thee  and  my  soul  be  tuned  to 
praise  thy  name  for  the  merciful  pre- 
servation which  I  have  been  made 
the  subject  of  this  day.  In  the 
abundance  of  thy  mercy  cover  all  my 
transgressions,  and  pardon  especial- 
ly the  sins  which  this  day  I  have 
committed  against  thee  and  thy  holy 
commandments,  in  thought,  in  words, 
in  desires  and  affections,  or  in  any 
other  manner ;  preserve  me  also  in 
this  ensuing  night  from  all  evil  and 
danger ;  for  unto  thee  alone  is  all 
my  desire,  thou  art  my  only  hope. 
According  to  thy  name,  O  God,  so 
is  thy  praise  unto  the  ends  of  the 
earth  ;  thy  right  hand  is  full  of  right- 


PRAYER    FOR    WEDNESDAY     EVENING.      31 

eousness,  [Ps.  48,  10.]  therefore 
commend  my  soul  and  body  into  thy 
hands — Thy  glorious  Majesty  sur- 
round me,  the  blessed  Trinity  pro- 
tect me,  and  the  eternal  Godhead 
(Unity)  preserve  me.  Thy  unlimit- 
ed mercy  support  me;  thy  loving 
kindness  encompass  me  about ;  thy 
favor  make  me  to  rejoice  ;  the  eter- 
nal truth  of  God  be  my  delight,  the 
saving  knowledge  of  Christ  strength- 
en me,  and  the  all- prevailing  grace 
of  God  be  sufficient  for  me  —  May 
the  grace  of  God  the  Father  lead 
me,  the  wisdom  of  God  the  Son  be 
my  consolation,  and  the  Power  of 
[the  Holy  Ghost  enlighten  me  ;  Lord 
| my  Creator  stand  by  me,  my  Re- 
deemer, save  me,  and  my  Comfort- 
er, dwell  within  me.  The  Lord 
bless  me  and  keep  me, the  Lord  make 
his  face  to  shine  upon  me,  and  be 
gracious  unto  me;  the  Lord  lift  up 
his  countenance  upon  me  and  give 
me  peace.  This  blessing  of  the  eter- 


52    PRAYER    FOR    WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

nal  Godhead  now  and  evermore  be 
with  me,  and  deliver  me  from  all 
open  and  secret  enemies  that  they 
may  not  hurt  nor  destroy  me ;  in 
like  manner  as  the  cloudy  pillar  in 
the  wilderness  interposed  between 
the  armies  of  Egypt  and  the  people 
of  Israel,  that  no  evil  should  come 
nigh  unto  them,  so  do  thou  interpose 
and  prove  a  pillar  of  defence  be- 
tween me  and  my  enemies,  that  they 
may  not  draw  nigh  unto  me — Stand 
by  me  in  the  hour  of  dissolution  ;  in 
that  solemn  hour  when  my  eyes  can 
no  more  see,  my  ears  no  more  hear, 
my  tongue  no  more  speak,  my  hands 
no  more  grasp  any  thing,  and  my 
stiffening  limbs  no  more  support  my 
body,  then,  O  then,  stand  by  me, 
thou  ever  blessed  Trinity,  and  de- 
liver my  soul  from  every  trial. — 
Amen. 


PRAYER    FOR    THURSDAY    MORNING.      33 

PRAYER 

For  Thursday  Morning. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ!  thou  who  art 
the  eternal  and  true  Light,  which 
dispels  darkness  deep  as  midnight, 
and  dissipates  the  gloom  and  fear 
of  the  valley  and  shadow  of  death, 
I  will  praise  thy  name,  and  give 
thanks  unto  thee  that  thou  hast  so 
mercifully  preserved  me  this  night, 
and  hast  brought  me  through  its 
darkness  to  see  the  light  of  another 
day — Thou  hast  preserved  my  soul 
from  terror  by  night,  from  the  snares 
of  the  devil,  from  the  noisome  pest- 
ilence that  walketh  in  darkness,  and 
from  many  diseases  which  might 
otherwise  have  come  upon  me — like- 
wise hast  thou  encompassed  my  soul 
with  a  sure  defence ;  like  as  the 
shepherd  keeps  his  flocks  so  hast 
thou  kept  me,  O  Lord  ;  all  my  pos- 
sessions hast  thou  also  in  much  good- 
ness unto  me  preserved  safe — for  this 


34     PRAYER    FOR    THURSDAY    MORNING. 

thy  merciful  deliverance  and  good- 
ness and  for  all  thy  mercies,  would 
I  praise  and  magnify  thy  name  !  I 
would  sing  of  thy  power,  yea,  I  will 
sing  aloud  of  thy  mercy  in  the  morn- 
ing, for  thou  hast  been  my  defence 
in  the  day  of  trouble,  thou  art  my 
refuge  and  my  fortress  ;  my  God,  in 
thee  will  I  trust,  thou  hast  put  glad- 
ness in  my  heart  and  caused  my  soul 
to  rejoice  exceedingly,  I  pray  thee, 
through  thy  condescension  and  birth, 
that  thou,  O  Lord  Jesus,  wouldst 
make  thy  mercy  to  arise  upon  me 
like  the  morning  twilight,  and  thy 
goodness  descend  like  the  early  rain. 
Enlighten  mv  darkened  understand- 
ing  with  thy  light,  that  thou  the  true 
day-star  from  on  high  mayest  arise 
in  my  heart,  and  the  true  light  which 
lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into 
the  world,  may  also  enlighten  me — 
preserve  me  this  day  from  evil,  O 
Lord  be  gracious  unto  us  ;  we  have 
waited  for  thee,  be   thou   our   arm 


PRAYER    FOR    THURSDAY    EVENING.      35 

every  morning,  our  salvation  also  in 
the  time  of  trouble,  preserve  my  soul 
and  body  from  danger  and  suffer  no 
adversary  to  overwhelm  me  ;  rise  up 
for  me  against  the  evil  doers,  stand 
up  for  me  against  the  workers  of  in- 
iquity, and  defend  me  from  the  hands 
of  my  adversaries.  Let  the  beauty 
of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us,  and 
establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands 
upon  us,  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands 
establish  thou  it ;  strengthen  thou 
our  feet  that  they  may  walk  the  ways 
of  thy  commandments,  and  teach  us 
to  observe  all  thy  statutes  that  we 
may  never  sin  against  thee,  grant 
these  our  petitions  for  thy  mercy's 
sake.  Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Thursday  Evening. 

Blessed  be  God  the  Father, 
through  Jesus  Christ  in  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  Eternal  and  True  God, 
who  through  his  unbounded  goodness 


56     PRAYER    FOR    THURSDAY    EVENING. 

has  preserved  me  a  poor  sinner,  and 
mortal  creature  this  day  from  all  the 
fiery  assaults  of  the  devil,  and  from 
the  pestilence  which  wasteth  at 
noonday,  and  from  sudden  death. 
Thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  is  the  heavens, 
and  thy  faithfulness  reacheth  into  the 
clouds,  (Ps.  36,  6.)  Thou  art  merci- 
ful and  slow  to  anger,  all  thy  works 
praise  thee.  I  beseech  thee  in  thine! 
infinite  mercy,  to  pardon  all  what 
this  day  has  been  done  amiss,  either 
in  thought,  word  or  deed  ;  draw  nigh 
also  in  this  ensuing  night  that  I  may 
rest  secure  under  the  shadow  of  tliy 
wings  and  under  the  protection  of 
the  Almighty — if  thou  draw  high, 
whom  shall  I  fear,  if  thou  art  my  de- 
fence, who  shall  harm  me.  Thou  art 
my  light  and  my  salvation,  whom 
shall  I  fear  —  thou  art  the  strength 
of  my  life,  of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid, 
I  have  trusted  the  Lord  and  he  has 
helped  me.  Thou  art  my  mighty 
protection  and  strong  stay — thy  right 


PRAYER    FOR    THURSDAY    EVENING.      37 

hand  strengthens  me  ;  thy  statutes 
console  me,  and  with  thee  is  my  sure 
place  of  refuge.  Behold  Lord  in  the 
day  I  call  unto  thee  and  thou  hear- 
est,  and  in  the  night  I  am  not  silent 
and  thou  answerest:  when  I  lie  me 
down  to  rest,  my  thoughts  dwell  up- 
on thee,  and  when  I  awake  thou  art 
my  conversation — thou  art  my  help- 
er, under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  I 
rest  secure,  my  soul  delighteth  in 
thee  and  Lliv  promises  uphold  me. 
When  I  sit  in  darkness  the  Lord 
shall  be  a  light  unto  me — O  Merci- 
ful God,  grant  that  when  my  hour 
of  departure  arrives,  and  I  lie  down 
upon  my  dying  bed,  that  then  my 
faith  and  confidence  may  remain  un 
i  shaken,  and  I  may  be  enabled  to 
breathe  out  my  soul  sweetly  in  the 
hands  of  my  Saviour  and  God,  and 
awake  to  a  life  of  blessedness  and 
glory. 

In  the  mean  time  give  grace  to  lead 
a  watchful,  righteous  and  godly  life, 


58  PRAYER    FOR     FRIDAY    MORNING. 

that  at  all  times  I  be  in  readiness  to 
depart  hence,  for  I  know  not  the  day 
nor  the  hour  when  thou  mayest  call 
me  hence.  Keep  me  from  falling  and 
preserve  me  in  thy  fear,  that  1  may 
be  worthy  to  appear  before  the  Son 
of  Man  at  his  coming  to  judgment, 
and  then  may  not  be  put  to  shame, 
but  hear  the  welcome  sound,  "Enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord,"  and 
dwell  with  thee  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Friday  Morning. 

Blessed  be  God  my  Creator, 
blessed  be  God  my  Redeemer,  and 
blessed  be  God  my  only  Comforter, 
who  alone  giveth  life,  health,  and 
every  blessing — who  is  the  rock  of 
defence  for  his  people,  and  a  very 
present  help  in  time  of  trouble;  lie 
also  has  made  my  eyes  to  behold  in 
perfect  safety  the  returning  light  of 
the  day,  and  according  to  his  justly 


PRAYER    FOR    FRIDAY    MORNING.  39 

extolled  mercy  has  warded  off  the 
dangers  of  the  night  and  the  tempta- 
tions of  the  devil.  My  prayer  as- 
cendeth  unto  thee  heavenly  Father, 
that  this  day  thou  wouldst  take  me 
into  thy  safe  keeping,  and  for  the 
sake  of  the  bloody  sweat  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  my  Saviour,  deal  gra- 
ciously with  thy  servant  who  now 
supplicates  thy  throne  of  grace,  take 
into  thy  care  his  temporal  and  spir- 
itual concerns ;  into  thy  hands  I  com- 
mend myself,  my  soul,  my  body,  my 
times  with  all  their  changes  —  my 
health,  my  life,  my  reasoning  facul- 
ties, my  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds 
— my  understandings,  my  going  out 
and  my  coming  in,  my  rising  and  my 
rest,  my  faith  and  my  practice,  the 
end  of  my  life,  the  hour  of  my  death, 
my  dying  and  resurrection,  all  these 
things  I  commend  to  thy  guidance, 
direction  and  will.  O  Lord  do  with 
me  according  to  thy  good  pleasure, 
so  that  thy  name  may  be  glorified, 


40         PRAYER    FOR    FRIDAY    MORNING. 

and  the  salvation  of  ray  soul  be  fur- 
thered. Preserve  me  from  works  of 
unrighteousness,  and  if  inadvertently 
and  inconsiderately  I  should  sin 
against  thee,  let  it  not  provoke  thy 
wrath  and  enkindle  thine  anger 
against  me,  for  beside  thee  there  is 
no  God  and  no  helper  ;  none  existed 
before  thee,  and  none  shall  exist  af- 
ter thee,  thou  art  the  first  and  the 
last,  the  Alpha  and  Ome^a,  besides 
thee  there  is  no  God;  therefore  to 
thee  alone,  would  I  call,  let  thy  good- 
ness still  surround  me  and  thy  grace 
be  sufficient  for  me.  Make  my  feet 
to  abide  in  thy  ways  that  I  walk  not 
in  the  council  of  the  ungodly,  nor 
stand  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sit 
in  the  seat  of  the  scornful,  but  that 
my  delight  be  in  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
and  may  meditate  upon  his  law,  day 
and  night,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYER    FOR    FRIDAY     EVENING.  41 

PRAYER 

For  Friday  Evening. 

O  give  thanks  to  the  Lord,  who 
alone  doetli  great  wonderland  bless- 
ed be  his  glorious  name  forever,  let 
all  the  earth  praise  him.  Daily  will 
I  call  upon  thee,  and  in  the  night 
season  will  I  continually  praise  thy 
name ;  for  when  I  cry  unto  thee  thou 
hearest,  and  when  I  call  upon  thy 
name  thou  answerest  in  mercy,  and 
thine  ear  inclines  to  the  voice  of  my 
supplication.  The  Lord  is  my  refuge, 
i  my  strength,  and  my  very  present 
help  in  the  day  of  trouble,  therefore 
would  I  praise  and  give  thanks  unto 
thee,  that  this  day  thou  hast  extend- 
ed thy  parental  protection  and  father- 
ly goodness  over  me,  so  that  no  evil 
has  come  nigh  and  no  danger  threat- 
ened my  life  ;  my  heart  is  glad  and 
Mny  soul  rejoiceth  in  praise  towards 
(thee  for  all  thy  mercies  and  loving 
(i  kindness — thy  praise  shall  be  con- 

6 


42  PRAYER    FOR    FRIDAY    EVENING. 

tinually  upon  my  tongue,  and  my 
theme  shall  ever  be,  Glory  be  to  God 
and  adored   his   holy   name,  I  pray 
thee  pardon  what  thy  pure  eyes  have 
seen  amiss  with  me  this  day,  in  the 
ensuing  night   watch  over   me,  and 
preserve  me  and  all  miue,  from  harm 
and  distress,  be  unto  me  a  shield  and 
defence,  let  thy  preserving  care  be 
extended  over  me  in  the  coming  night, 
that  my  house  may  be  preserved  from 
destruction.   O  Lord  be  merciful  un- 
to me,  for  my  soul  trusteth  in   thee, 
I  will  cry  unto  God  most  High,  unto 
God   that  performeth  all   things  for 
me  :  Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Israel 
shall  neither  slumber  nor  sleep,  he 
will  not  suffer  my  foot  to  be  moved; 
the  Lord  will  preserve  me  from  all 
evil,  he  will  preserve  my  soul,  he 
will  not  suffer  my  feet  to  glide  into 
the  paths  of  sin.     Therefore  when  I 
lie  me  down  to  sleep  I  will  fear  no 
evil,  but  rest  quietly,  and  not  be  in 
dread  nor  entertain  fearful   appre- 


PRAYER    FOR    SATURDAY    MORNING.       43 

hensions,  for  thou  Lord  wilt  keep  me 
and  deliver  me  from  the  snares  of 
death.  O  Lord  God  lift  upon  me 
the  light  of  thy  reconciled  counte- 
nance, that  I  may  now  repose  in  qui- 
etness and  enjoy  a  refreshing  sleep. 
In  thy  name  and  in  dependance  up- 
on thy  fatherly  care  will  I  now  retire 
to  rest  and  close  mine  eyes  in  sleep. 
Thou  Lord  in  mercy  wilt  make  me 
wake  in  the  morning,  refreshed  and 
strengthened  to  the  honor  and  praise 
of  thy  glorious  Majesty,  through  Je- 
sus Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

PHAYER 

For  Saturday  Morning. 

O  Thou  True  and  Immortal  God, 
Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to 
thee  do  I  raise  my  soul  with  heart- 
felt thankfulness,  my  tongue  shall 
speak  of  thy  righteousness  and  of 
thy  praise,  all  the  day  long,  I  will 
declare  thy  faithfulness  and  thy  sal- 


44   PRAYER  FOR  SATURDAY  MORNING. 

vation,  I  will  not  conceal  thy  loving 
kindness  and  thy  truth  from  the  great 
congregation,  and  all  thy  mercies 
unto  me  will  I  not  keep  secret ;  for 
it  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  un- 
to the  Lord,  and  to  sing  praises  unto 
thy  name,  O  most  high,  to  shew  forth 
thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning 
and  thy  faithfulness  every  tfight. 
Therefore  would  I  praise  thee  that 
during  the  silent  hours  of  the  past 
night,  thou  hast  watched  over  me 
and  in  thy  mercy  preserved  me  unto 
this  day,  blessed  art  thou  Lord  God 
of  Sabaoth,  who  sheweth  mercy  to  all 
that  ask  after  thee,  and  love  thy  sal- 
vation, adored  be  thy  great  name 
among  all  the  people,  wonderful  are 
all  thy  works  shown  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  men.  I  pray  thee  preserve 
me  this  day  from  the  assaults  of  the 
devil  and  the  attacks  of  my  enemies. 
O  Lord  my  Saviour,  early  do  1  wake 
unto  thee,  and  in  the  morning  call 
upon  thy  name,  enable  me  conscien- 


PRAYER  FOR  SATURDAY  MORNING.   45 

iously  to  perform  the  duties  of  the 

tation  into   which  thy  Providence 

tas  placed  me  ;    may  I  so   perform 

very  duty  encumbent  upon  me  that 

t  may  tend  to  thy  honor  and  glory, 

o  my  own  and   my   neighbor's  ad- 

antage  and  profit  —  May  the  light 

if  this  day  not  be   made  use  of  in 

anity  and  sinfulness  —  May  I  not 

nrieve  and  displease  thee  in  any  thing 

'.  do,  nor  violate  my  baptismal  vow 

nd  covenant.      Keep   me  O  Lord 

rom  six  things  which  thou  dost  hate 

ud  from  seven  which  are  an  abom- 

nation  unto  thee,  viz  :  from  a  proud 

[)ok,  a  lying  tongue,  and  hands  that 

hed  innocent  blood;    a  heart  that 

eviseth  wicked   imaginations  ;  feet 

mt  be  swift  in  running  to  mischief, 

false   witness  that  speaketh  lies, 

nd  him  that  soweth  discord  among 

is  brethren.   (Prov.  6,  16.)     From 

ich  and  other  vices  preserve  me  O 

iord,  may  I  never  incline  and  desire 

?ter  them,  but  teach  me  to  know  and 


46   PRAYER  FOR  SATURDAY  EVENING. 

do  thy  will  —  Thy  holy  spirit  lead 
nie  in  thy  ways  and  direct  me  into 
the  path  everlasting,  that  all  my  do- 
ings being  ordered  and  directed  by 
thee,  may  be  pleasing  in  thy  sight, 
O  Lord  God — through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Saturday  Evening. 

Praised  be  the  Lord  Most  High, 
the  Eternal  God — adored  be  his  in- 
finite goodness  and  mercy,  venerated 
his  eternal  Wisdom  and  Truth,  for 
he  hath  shown  kindness  unto  his 
servant — May  that  mercy  which  has 
ushered  in  this  day  and  continued 
through  its  hours,  be  extended  unto 
me  in  the  darkness  of  the  night  which 
now  lowers  over  us — Let  my  refuge 
be  unto  the  Lord  that  I  may  fear  no 
evil ;  keep  me  Lord  as  the  apple  of 
thine  eye,  suffer  me  to  rest  in  safety 
under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings ;  Lord 
thou  art  my  God  and  my  heritage, 


PRAYER    FOR    SATURDAY    EVENING.       47 

my  salvation  is  in  thy  hands  ;  deliver 
me  from  fear  by  night  and  from  sud- 
den alarms  in  darkness  ;  be  merci- 
ful unto  me,  O  Lord,  be  merciful  un- 
to me,  for  my  soul  trusteth  in  thee, 
yea,  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  will 
I  make  my  refuge  ;  in  the  day  of 
trouble  I  seek  the  Lord,  I  stretch 
out  my  hand  towards  thee  in  the 
evening  and  cease  not  to  call  upon 
thee,  for  my  soul  hath  no  other  con- 
solation :  and  there  is  no  God  nor 
deliverer  besides  thee.  At  midnight 
I  awake  and  delight  to  think  of  thee, 
i  I  dwell  upon  thy  goodness  and  truth, 

I  and  praise  thee  for  the  statutes  of  thy 
.righteousness  :  when  trouble  cometh 
[upon  me  I  think  of  God  ;  when  my 
[soul  is  compassed  about  with  sorrow, 

II  look  to  my  Saviour,  for  he  deliv- 
ers my  soul  from  trouble  and  rescues 
|Qie  from  the  snares  of  death;  day 
lind  night  would  I  call  upon  thee  to 
I  )ardon  all  my  transgressions,  to  heal 

til  my  backslidings  which  this  day 


48      PRAYER    FOR     SATURDAY    EVENING. 

and  this  week  may  have  been  com- 
mitted against  thee  —  Lord  deliver 
my  soul  and  save  me  for  thy  mercy's 
sake — Thou  art  slow  to  an^er  and 
abundant  in  mercy;  truth  and  right- 
eousness encompass  thee  around  : — 
Thou  Lord  preserved  the  upright  in 
heart:  when  I  slip  thou  liftest  me 
up  :  when  I  lie  down  thou  makest 
me  to  rise  again  ;  therefore  will  I 
trust  the  Lord,  and  rejoice  and  be 
glad  continually,  for  my  age  shall 
be  clearer  than  the  noon-day,  .and 
shall  shine  forth  and  shall  be  as  the 
morning,  and  I  shall  rest  secure,  lie- 
cause  the  Lord  is  my  hope  and  de- 
fence—  I  shall  lie  down  and  none 
shall  make  me  afraid.  I  now  com- 
mend my  soul  and  body  into  thy 
hands,  O  Lord  for  thou  hast  redeem- 
ed my  soul,  through  Jesus  Christ 
my  Lord.  Amen. 


A    DAILY    PRAYER.  49 

A  DAILY  PRAYER. 

My  Lord  and  my  God,  I  now 
live,  but  I  know  not  how  long  my 
life  will  continue  ;  I  am  convinced 
that  I  must  die,  but  how,  where,  and 
when,  I  know  not.  Thou  Lord 
alone  knowest  the  hour  of  my  de- 
parture ;  shall  this  day  prove  my  last 
or  this  night  my  soul  be  called  hence. 
Thy  will  0  Lord  be  done,  for  thou 
knowest  the  best  times  and  seasons; 
according  to  thy  will,  through  faith 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  my  Saviour  I  shall 
be  enabled  to  live  or  to  die  to  thy 
glory :  This  one  thing  1  pray  thee, 
suffer  me  not  to  be  taken  off  sudden- 
ly in  my  sins  ;  Grant  unto  me  a  sav- 
ing knowledge  of  and  a  godly  sor- 
row for  sins  ;  O  convince  me  here  of 
sin,  and  let  me  here  mourn  and  la- 
ment my  folly  when  it  yet  may  avail 
for  me,  and  not  only  then  when  tears, 
cries  and  sorrows  shall  be  of  no  avail 
for  ever :  May  I  not  at  thy  judgment 
be  put  to  shame  before  angels  and 

7 


50  PRAYER    FOR    PARDON    OF    SINS. 

archangels,  but  grant  me  time  for  re- 
pentance, time  to  obtain  pardon  of 
sin,  time  to  make  my  peace  with  God, 
may  I  from  thy  word  obtain  peace, 
and  rest,  and  consolation  for  my  soul. 
O!  Most  Merciful  God  and  Father, 
forsake  me  not,  take  not  away  thy 
Holy  Spirit  from  me  :  all  I  am  and 
all  I  have  is  known  unto  thee.  O 
keep  me  in  thy  fear  and  when  my 
hour  of  departure  arrives,  grant  me 
consolation,  remove  the  fear  of  death, 
and  let  my  passage  be  easy  and 
blessed,,     Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Pardon  of  Sins, 

Most  Merciful  God,  Eternal  Fa- 
ther, great  are  the  sins  which  I  have 
committed  against  thee,  powerful  the 
influence  of  my  example,  and  innu- 
merable are  my  transgressions,  and 
every  imagination  of  my  heart  was 
only  evil  continually  from  my  youth, 
0  Lord,  who  can  tell  how  oft  he  sins? 


PRAYER    FOR    PARDON    OF    SINS.  51 

— Behold  I  acknowledge  my  trans- 
gression, and  my  sin  is  ever  before 
me  :  Against  thee,  thee  only,  have  I 
sinned,  and  done  this  evil  in  thy 
sight,  that  thou  mightest  be  justified 
when  thou  speakest,  and  be  clear 
when  thou  judgest.  [Ps.  51,  3.  4.] 
But  for  thy  mercy's  sake,  enter  not 
into  judgment  with  thy  servant,  for 
in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be 
justified.  If  thou  art  nigh  to  mark 
iniquity,  who  can  abide  it,  for  no 
man  can  answer  thee  for  one  out  of 
a  thousand  transgressions,  for  all  his 
righteousness  is  as  a  polluted  gar- 
ment. Therefore  have  mercy  upon 
me,  and  blot  out  my  sins  from  the 
book  of  thy  remembrance — wash  me 
thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity  and 
cleanse  me  from  my  sin.  Have  mer- 
cy on  me,  O  Lord,  according  to  thy 
loving-kindness,  according  unto  the 
multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot 
out  my  transgressions.  [Ps.  5l,  1.] 
Remember,  O  Lord,  thy  tender  mer- 


52  PRAYER    FOR    PARDON    OF    SINS. 

cies,  and  thy  loving-kindness,  for 
they  have  been  ever  of  old  :  Remem- 
ber not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor  my 
transgressions :  according  to  thy  mer- 
cy remember  thou  me  for  thy  good- 
ness' sake.  [Ps.  25,  6.  7.]  Remem- 
ber that  we  are  weak  and  as  the 
wind,  which  returneth  not  again  :  re- 
move thy  wrath  from  us,  and  let  not 
thy  displeasure  abide  upon  us.  We 
acknowledge,  Lord,  that  our  works 
and  worthiness  can  never  blot  out 
our  sins  nor  merit  thy  favor,  but  the 
sufferings  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ 
the  Lamb,  without  spot  or  blemish, 
is  a  sufficient  ransom  for  our  sins — 
and  his  blood  shed  for  the  remission 
of  sins  purifieth  and  cleanseth  the 
soul. — Upon  this  only,  would  I  re- 
ly, and  upon  this  ground  only  expect 
and  ask  from  thee,  the  pardon  of  my 
sins,  for  his  sake  then  remember  no 
more  the  transgression  of  thy  peo- 
ple, and  impute  not  unto  them  thy 
sins — cleanse  thou  me  also  from  se- 


PRAYER    OF    A    HUSBAND.  53 

cret  faults,  make  my  soul  again  to  re- 
joice in  thee,  my  God  and  Saviour — 
for  unto  thee  helong  mercies  and  for- 
giveness ;  with  thee  there  is  plenti- 
ous  redemption  —  O  Lord,  hear  the 
voice  of  my  supplication,  when  I  cry 
unto  thee,  and  despise  not  the  peti- 
tion of  my  soul,  for  the  Redeemer's 
sake.  Amen. 

PRAYER    OF   A    HUSBAND. 

Merciful  and  self-existant  God!* 
Thou  who  thyself  hast  first  instituted 
the  holy  estate  of  matrimony  in  Pa- 
radise to  replenish  the  earth,  and  af- 
ter the  fall  of  our  first  parents,  has 
confirmed  tiie  same  as  an  antidote 
against  the  lusts  of  the  flesh — as  thou 
in  thy  providence  hast  brought  me 
into  this  estate,  I  pray  thee  grant 
unto  me  strength  from  above,  that  I 
may  in  a  christian  manner  continue 
in  this  estate,  that  I  may  show  due 
honor  unto  my  spouse  as  unto  the 
weaker  vessel,  and  render  unto  her 


54  PRAYER    OF    A    HUSBAND. 

due  benevolence  ;  may  a  desire  to 
assist  each  other  to  bear  the  unavoid- 
able cares  and  troubles  of  life  ever 
be  found  with  us  — O  enable  me  to 
instruct  and  guide  the  partner  of  my 
life,  my  children  and  domestics,  in 
all  godliness  and  piety  —  O  instruct 
them  to  be  obedient  in  all  things,  es- 
pecially in  those  things  which  per- 
tain to  godliness  —  Preserve  us,  O 
thou  God  of  peace,  from  all  strife, 
contention,  from  hastiness  and  from 
all  jealousy,  which  Satan  often  en- 
deavors to  sow  into  the  heart,  to  de- 
stroy the  peace  and  happiness  of 
families ;  enable  us  to  bear  with  each 
other's  faults,  and  like  children,  be 
ever  ready  to  forgive  and  forget ;  dis- 
pose our  servants  to  be  faithful,  and 
teach  our  children  obedience.  Crown 
the  labours  of  our  hands  with  suc- 
cess, and  preserve  us  from  disease, 
accident  and  calamity;  teach  us  to 
bear  calamity,  and  to  remain  humble 
in  adversity ;  enable  us  so  to  improve 


PRAYER    OF    A    WIFE.  55 

our  time  here,  that  though  some  of 
us  may  be  called  hence  sooner  than 
the  others,  yet  that  we  may  meet  each 
other  in  heaven  again, to  live  together 
and  praise  oar  God  forever.  Amen. 

PRAYER  OF  A  WIFE. 

O  God,  Father,  Son  and  Holy 
Ghost,  from  whom  alone  cometh  all 
consolation  and  blessing,  look  down 
with  an  eye  of  pity  and  compassion 
upon  thy  handmaiden,  a  poor  weak 
creature,  whom  thou  hast  placed  in- 
to the  state  of  matrimony,  and  suffer- 
ed to  become  a  Mother,  O  let  thy 
grace  be  sufficient  for  me  to  the  per- 
formance of  every  duty  laid  upon  me. 
May  I  have  thee  supremely,  and  be 
active  and  diligent  in  thy  service; 
next  to  thee  may  I  love  my  husband, 
and  esteem  and  honor  him  as  it  be- 
coraeth  a  faithful  spouse,  and  render 
unto  him  just  and  lawful  obedience 
io  all  things  in  the  Lord.  May  my 
adorning  be,  as  the  Apostle  Peter 


56  PRAYER    OF    A    WIFE. 

saith,  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart  in 
that  which  is  not  corruptible,  even 
the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  God 
a  great  price,  as  in  old  times  the  holy 
women  also  who  trusted  in  God 
adorned  themselves,  being  in  subjec- 
tion to  their  husbands.  May  my 
children  and  servants  also  be  brought 
up  in  the  fear  of  God:  Grant  that 
they  may  be  obedient,  and  in  all 
faithfulness  walk  before  thee  ;  may 
health  and  strength  be  continued  un- 
to us,  bestow  food  and  raiment,  and 
preserve  us  all  from  evil  and  dan- 
ger: May  we  so  use  the  things  of 
the  world  as  not  to  abuse  them,  and 
suffer  not  our  concern  for  this  world 
to  be  so  great  that  we  become  forget- 
ful of  our  immortal  souls  —  In  all 
things  may  we  have  respect  to  thy 
glory,  and  seek  to  walk  worthy  our 
high  vocation — Enable  us  to  bear  our 
crosses  and  afflictions  with  resigna- 
tion to  thy  will — and  enduring  unto 


PRAYER    OF    A    CHILD.  57 

the  end  in  thy  service,  may  we  final- 
ly be  accepted  in  the  beloved.  Amen. 

PRAYER  OF  A  CHILD. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God, 
Thou  who  hast  commanded  me  in 
all  things  that  are  right,  to  honor  my 
parents,  through  whom  I  have  been 
brought  into  this  world,  and  who 
have  had  great  anxiety  of  mind  in 
watching  over  my  infant  days,  and 
great  expense  in  providing  for  me 
food  and  raiment,  and  giving  me  an 
education.  I  pray  thee,  for  the  sake 
of  the  obedience  of  thy  dear  son  my 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  enable  me  to 
love  and  esteem  my  father  and  moth- 
er, and  to  manifest  my  regard  for 
them,  by  a  ready  compliance  with  all 
their  commands.  May  I  never  bring 
shame  to  their  house,  or  cause  sorrow 
to  rise  in  their  hearts :  in  the  decline 
of  their  life,  may  I  be  unto  them  a 
comfort,  in  need  a  support,  and  when 
nature  fails,  and  strength  and  reason 

8 


58  PRAYER    FOR    YOUTH. 

decline ;  then  Lord !  may  my  strength 
uphold  them,  and  my  reason  counsel 
and  direct  them.  Preserve  me  from 
sin  and  sinful  companions,  so  that 
my  parents  may  not  have  cause  to 
mourn  and  sigh  on  my  account,  or 
complain  that  I  approach  them  with 
an  angry  look,  with  sadness,  in  an 
unfriendly  manner,  with  disobedi- 
ence or  stubbornness — and  if  in  these 
things  I  have  at  any  time  failed  and 
come  short  of  my  duty,  grant  me  to 
learn  and  acknowledge  my  sin  ;  and 
induce  me  to  seek  pardon  from  them, 
and  ask  forgiveness  for  my  sin, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou 
Lord  hast  set  before  me  as  a  model 
of  obedience  to  parents  —  May  his 
example  be  ever  before  me,  and  like 
unto  him,  may  I  increase  in  wisdom 
and  favor  with  God  and  all  men. — 

PRAYER  FOR  YOUTH. 

Lord  !   Almighty  God !   thou  art 
a  holy,  pure,   spotless  and  eternal 


PRAYER    FOR    YOUTH.  59 

Being — Thou  delightest  in  a  pure 
heart,  and  a  godly  life  is  thy  pleasure 
—  I  pray  thee,  create  in  me  a  clean 
heart  and  renew  a  right  spirit  with- 
in me,  [Ps.  51,  10.]  that  I  may  serve 
thee  in  true  faith,  with  godly  fear 
and  sincere  obedience,  and  love  thee 
with  all  my  heart:  Preserve  me  from 
all  evil  desires,  from  the  lusts  of  the 
flesh,  from  uncleanness  and  lascivi- 
ousness — Sutter  not  strange  persons, 
nor  an  easy  address  and  beautiful 
features  to  deceive  me,  and  iutice  me 
to  voluptuousness  and  uncleanness — 
Subdue  every  inordinate  desire, 
quench  every  sinful  passion,  that  I 
lust  not  after  impure  and  unhallow- 
ed enjoyment.  Keep  me  from  light- 
minded  and  sinful  company,  lest  I 
be  led  to  the  haunts  of  vice  and  the 
abodes  of  debauchery,  lest  I  be  ac- 
customed to  a  life  of  idleness,  which 
brings  in  its  train  a  host  of  evils. 
Idle  and  vain  conversation,  loose 
taTk,  and  foolishness,  which  are  in- 


60  RAYER    FOR    YOUTH. 

consistent  with  the  christian  charac- 
ter, O  Lord,  do  thou  keep  far  from 
me.  Preserve  me  from  pride,  from 
anger,  from  deceit,  which  are  the 
causes  of  so  much  evil — Deliver  me 
from  every  temptation  to  lust  and  un- 
cleanliness  —  may  I  spurn  every 
thing  which  might  hold  out  an  in- 
ducement to  me — and  though  tempt- 
ed and  entreated  to  gratify  corrupt 
passions,  like  Joseph,  may  I  scorn 
thus  to  sin,  saying,  "how  can  I  do 
so  great  an  evil,  and  sin  against  my 
God.''  May  I  never  yield  my  mem- 
bers, servants,  to  uncleanness,  but 
unto  righteousness  —  And  when  in 
the  course  of  thy  providence,  1  shall 
be  permitted  to  enter  into  the  state 
of  matrimony,  may  it  not  be  from  un- 
hallowed motives,  but  from  a  pure 
desire,  and  in  obedience  to  thy  com- 
mand ;  and  thus  may  I  be  preserved 
from  all  voluptuous  and  unlawful 
desire  :  Grant  unto  me  a  faithful  and 
pious  partner,  with  whom  I  may  lead 


PRATER    OF    A    SERVANT.  61 

a  quiet  and  peaceable  life,  in  all  god- 
liness.—  Thou  art  the  searcher  of 
hearts,  and  knowest  the  dispositions 
and  characters  of  all  mankind.  — 
House  and  riches  are  the  inheritance 
of  fathers,  but  a  prudent  wife  or  hus- 
band are  from  the  Lord,  and  shall 
be  given  to  the  upright  in  heart; 
therefore  1  cry  unto  thee  —  In  thy 
mercy  regulate  and  direct  my  choice, 
that  peace  and  harmony  may  dwell 
in  our  midst,  and  righteousness  take 
up  her  abode  with  us.     Amen. 

PRAYER  OF  A  SERVANT. 

Kind  and  Indulgent  Parent, 
through  the  sufferings  and  death  of 
thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ,  thou  hast 
delivered  me  from  spiritual  bondage, 
from  the  power  of  sin,  and  the  do- 
minion of  darkness,  and  hast  set  me 
free  from  the  tyranny  of  satan,  to 
live  and  reign  with  thee  for  ever  and 
ever — I  pray  thee  to  grant  me  grace, 
that  in  the  state  of  servitude  ( into 


62  PRAYER    OF    A    SERVANT. 

which  I  have  been  placed  by  thy 
providence,)  I  may  be  enabled  to  do 
justice  to  those,  in  whose  service  I 
am  readily  and  willingly  to  subject 
myself  unto  them,  and  heartily  to 
render  prompt  obedience  to  all  their 
just  commands  —  Grant  that  I  may 
rest  contented  in  the  sphere  in  which 
thou  hast  placed  me,  and  not  murmer 
and  repine  against  thine  appoint- 
ments. Suffer  me  not  to  envy  the 
situation  of  my  superiors,  but  honor 
and  esteem  them,  as  it  is  becoming  a 
person  in  my  situation.  But  above 
all,  O  Lord,  grant  that  in  true  sincer- 
ity and  filial  fear,  I  may  serve  thee 
— love  thee  above  all  things  —  and 
place  all  my  dependance  and  hope 
upon  thee :  —  May  thy  command- 
ments ever  be  before  me,  and  thy  law 
the  rule  of  my  walk  and  conversa- 
tion— with  all  patience  and  submis- 
sion teach  me  to  bear  the  reproaches 
and  corrections  of  my  superiors,  and 
render  obedience  to  all  commands 


PR.AYER    OF    A    SERVANT.  63 

which  are  not  contrary  to  thy  will, 
with  fear  and  trembling,  in  single- 
ness of  heart  as  unto  Christ,  not  with 
eye-service  as  men pleasers,  but  as 
the  servants  of  Christ  doing  the  will 
of  God  from  the  heart,  with  good 
will  doins:  service  as  to  the  Lord  and 
not  to  men.  May  I  remain  faithful 
ill  every  thing  intrusted  to  my  care; 
may  nothing  be  lost,  wasted  or  in- 
jured through  my  neglect;  may  no 
temptations  lead  me  to  dishonesty, 
nor  favorable  opportunities  induce 
me  to  steal.  Preserve  my  health, 
continue  and  increase  my  strength 
of  body,  and  endue  me  plenteously 
with  wisdom  and  prudence,  that  I 
may  so  conduct  the  concerns  of  my 
employers,  that  it  may  be  pleasing  in 
their  sight,  and  that  they  can  depend 
upon  me  in  all  instances  and  at  all 
times ;  may  all  I  do  and  all  my  en- 
deavors, being  done  in  obedience  to 
thy  will,  redound  to  thy  honor  and 
glory,  and  may  the  trials  and  diffi- 


64  PRAYER-FOR    A    GODLY    LIFE. 

culties  to  which  I  am  subjected,prove 
blessings  to  my  soul  —  and  prove  a 
trial  of  my  patience  and  faith  —  and 
above  all,  teach  me  to  look  to  futuri- 
ty, that  I  may  obtain  a  hope  through 
Jesus  Christ,  of  dwelling  in  light  in- 
accessabie  and  full  of  glory.  Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  a  Godly  Life. 

Dear  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  my  Sav- 
iour! enlighten  me  this  day  and  at 
all  times  from  on  high,  that  I  may 
direct  my  thoughts  and  steps  towards 
the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  my  contin- 
ual abiding  city — and  as  thou  desir- 
est  after  the  salvation  of  sinners,  Oh 
so  may  I  continually  desire  after 
thee — Early  may  I  seek  thee,  in  the 
morning  call  upon  thee,  and  contin- 
ually hear  thee,  the  bread  of  life,  as 
my  companion  on  my  journey.  Pre- 
serve me,  O  thou  unchangeable  and 
eternal  God,  from  the  deceitfulness 
of  the  men  of  the  world  ;  may  I  never 


PRAYER.    IN    TIME    OF    STORM.  65 

be  conformed  to  their  ways  and  hab- 
its, but  also  this  day,  while  attend- 
ing to  my  daily  avocations,  remain 
true  to  my  heavenly  calling— '-may  I 
decrease  in  sin,  but  increase  in  right- 
eousness and  holiness,  and  truly 
serve  thee,  my  Lord:  —  May  I  die 
daily  unto  the  world,  and  esteem  the 
things  of  the  world  lightly  in  com- 
parison with  the  things  of  eternity, 
be  exalted  in  thee  and  taste  more  of 
thy  richer  grace  and  saving  mercy, 
and  all  honor  and  praise  shall  be 
given  unto  thee,  through  endless 
ages — hear  O  Lord  and  answer  in 
peace,  for  Jesus9  sake.     Amen. 

PRAYER 

In  Time  of  a  Storm* 

All-powerful  God !  The  mighty 
upon  earth  shall  give  unto  the  Lord 
glory  and  strength,  they  shall  give 
unto  thee,  Lord,  the  glory  due  unto 
thy  name,  and  worship  the  Lord  in 
the   beauty  of  holiness;   for   thou, 

9 


66      PRAYER  IX  TIME  OF  STORM. 

Lord,  art  upon  the  throne  of  glory, 
and  thy  power  and  might  is  every 
where  manifested.  The  voice  of  the 
Lord  is  upon  the  waters;  the  (rod 
of  glory  thundereth  ;  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  is  powerful,  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  is  full  of  majesty.  The  earth 
shakes  and  trembles,  the  foundation 
of  the  hills  also  are  moved  and  sha- 
ken, when  thou  art  wrath: — Smoke 
cometh  out  of  thy  nostrils  and  fire 
out  of  thy  mouth  devoureth:  Thou 
makest  darkness  thy  secret  place, 
and  thy  pavilion  round  about  thee 
are  dark  waters  and  thick  clouds  of 
the  skies  :  The  Lord  thundereth  in 
the  heavens,  and  the  highest  gave 
his  voice.  Thou  callest  forth  the 
winds  out  of  thy  treasuries,  and  the 
lightnings  are  made  to  descend  at  thy 
command — and  when  they  have  ex- 
ecuted thy  pleasure,  thou  bidst  them 
to  retire  again.  All  things  are  sub- 
ject to  thy  command,  all  acknowl- 
edge thee  as  their  creator,  and  trem- 


PRAYER    IN    TIME    OF    STORM.  67    * 

ble  before  thy  Majesty.  The  height 
of  the  hills  and  the  depths  of  the 
deep  are  afraid :  when  thy  anger  is 
kindled,  the  earth  shakes — the  seas 
fly  from  before  thine  anger ;  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  divideth  the  flames  of  fire; 
the  voice  of  the  Lord  shaketh  the 
wilderness  :  The  Lord  is  king  for- 
ever, he  will  crown  his  people  with 
strength ;  the  Lord  will  bless  them 
with  peace  : — O  Merciful  God,  pre- 
serve us  from  thine  anger,  pardon 
our  iniquity,  lift  upon  us  the  light  of 
thy  countenance,  have  mercy  upon 
us  and  spare  us,  that  the  lowering: 
threatening  storm,  together  with  its 
vivid  lightning,  may  pass  by  us  and 
not  injure  us  and  our  families,  nor 
destroy  our  property  and  posses- 
sions—  Defend,  O  Lord,  also  the 
grain  of  our  fields  from  hail  and  floods 
and  destroying  insects,  and  every 
thing  injurious  to  them :  O  Lord,  de- 
liver us  from  sudden  death.  O  God, 
the  Father,  who  hast  made  thy  Son 


68        PRAYER    FOR   TEMPORAL    PEACE. 

to  suffer  and  die  the  death  of  the 
cross  for  us,  protect  us  ;  Jesus  thou 
Saviour  of  sinners  preserve  us  ;  Ho- 
ly spirit,  thou  promised  comforter, 
deliver  us  from  every  danger  and 
evil,  that  no  danger  may  overwhelm 
us.     Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Temporal  Peace. 

Most  Merciful  God,  Eternal  Fa- 
ther, thou  art  the  God  of  peace,  thou 
delightest  in  peace,  and  from  thee 
cometh  a  peaceful  spirit :  we  pray 
thee  to  preserve  thy  church  on  earth, 
against  all  the  assaults  of  infidelity 
and  the  attacks  of  her  enemies  ;  that 
with  all  peace  and  tranquility  of 
mind,  we  may  worship  thee  in  holi- 
ness of  life,  and  truth  of  doctrine  : — 
Grant  grace,  O  Lord,  that  all  orders 
and  condition  of  men  in  thy  church, 
may  live  together  in  unity  of  mind  in 
the  bands  of  love,  and  may  adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in 


PRAYER    FOR    TEMPORAL    PEACE.  69 

all  things,  as  thou  art  a  God  of  order 
and  desirest  that  all  things  should  be 
done  decently  and  in  order;  preserve 
order  and  regularity  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  civil  as  well  as  religious 
matters,  that  the  land  in  which  we 
live  may  prosper,and  that  thy  church, 
together  with  all  institutions  connec- 
ted with  it,  may  fully  triumph  over 
the  assaults  of  its  foes.  May  it  be 
ordered  in  thy  Providence,that  peace 
may  smile  upon  our  country  for  years 
to  come,  that  the  weapons  of  slaugh- 
ter may  remain  unused  and  the  tu- 
mult of  war  unknown;  let  no  one 
through  pride,  ambition,  or  other 
causes,  arouse  the  nation  to  war,  but 
preserve  us  in  peace  within  our  own 
borders,  and  in  peace  with  foreign 
nations.  Make  to  nought  the  council 
and  designs  of  evil  men — cause  them 
to  be  ashamed,  that  they  retire  in 
confusion  and  their  end  be  in  sorrow: 
Stretch  out  thine  arm  to  deliver  us, 
spare  thy  people,  Lord,  who  have 


70    PRAYER  FOR  TEMPORAL  PEACE 

called  often  thy  name,  and  give  not 
thy  heritage  to  reproach.  Help  thy 
people  who  trust  in  thee  and  call  up- 
on thy  name,  send  us  help  from  thy 
sanctuary,  and  strengthen  us  out  of 
Zion — do  good  to  the  land  in  which 
thy  word  is  declared  ;  peace  he  with- 
in thy  walls  and  prosperity  within 
thy  palaces  :  O  thou  God  of  peace, 
incline  the  hearts  of  all  men  to  that 
harmony  of  feelings,  and  christian 
disposition  towards  each  other,  to 
which  thy  word  and  gospel  hath  call- 
ed us  ;  settle  the  differences  which 
may  be  between  men,  reconcile  ene- 
mies to  one  another,  banish  all  big- 
otry and  superstition  from  amongst 
mankind  ;  bring  together  and  unite 
in  brotherly  fellowship  with  kind 
feelings  towards  each  other  the  dif- 
ferent denominations  of  christians  to 
the  honor  and  glory  of  thy  name,  to 
the  dissemination  of  truth  and  holi- 
ness, and  to  the  welfare  of  thy  king- 
dom —  Let  grace,  mercy  and  peace 


PRAYER    Ol     CHILDREN  &C.  71 

dwell   amongst   us,    through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour.  Amen. 

PRAYER 

Of  Children  for  an  absent  Father. 

Eternal  Son  of  God,  dearest  Sav- 
iour of  all  who  call  upon  thee  in 
faith,  we  thy  children,  who  are  bap- 
tised into  thy  blood,  with  thy  spirit, 
and  thus  dedicated  to  thy  service, 
and  accepted  as  thy  children,  we 
raise  our  infant  prayer  unto  thee,  and 
implore  thee  most  sincerely  to  pre- 
serve our  dear  Parent,  whom  the  du- 
ties of  his  avocation  have  called  afar 
off  from  us  —  O  preserve  him  from 
every  danger,  from  accident,  sick- 
ness, murderers,  and  from  sudden 
death  amongst  strangers  ;  may  he  be 
enabled  to  accomplish  his  purposes 
and  effect  the  object  he  had  in  view, 
with  honesty  and  uprightness  ;  bring 
him  again  in  health  into  our  midst. 
Thou  didst  accompany  thy  servant 
Jacob  upon  his  journey  with  thy  ho- 


72     PRAYER  OF  A  PERSON  ABOUT 

ly  angels  and  preserve  him  ;  so  ac- 
company also  our  Parent,  and  all 
who  fear  and  love  thee,  and  bring 
them  again  to  their  respective  fami- 
lies— for  thy  mercy's  sake. — Amen. 

PRAYER 

Of  a  Person  about  to  enter  upon 
a  Journey, 

Almighty  God  and  merciful  Fa- 
ther, the  preserver  of  all  who  put 
their  trust  in  thee,  in  thy  name  will 
I  undertake  and  calling  upon  thee 
for  thy  protection  will  I  commence 
my  intended  journey :  for  thou  art 
my  God,  thou  preservest  my  going 
out  and  my  coming  in,  and  directest 
my  feet  in  sure  paths  that  I  stumble 
not.  I  heartly  beseech  thee,  to  be 
my  companion  and  sure  director  up- 
on my  intended  journey,  command 
thy  holy  angels  to  take  charge  of  me, 
that  in  all  my  journeyings  I  may  be 
preserved  from  every  harm,  both  of 
soul  and  body,  direct  me  in  safety  to 


PRAYER  OF  ONE  WHO  IS  JOURNEYING.  73 

the  end  of  my  journey,  and  after  I 
shall  have  accomplished  my  object, 
restore  me  again  in  health  and  safety 
to  the  circle  of  my  dear  family,  and 
enable  me  together  with  my  house- 
hold, to  praise  and  glorify  thee  in 
time  and  through  eternity.  Now 
Lord  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my 
body  and  spirit,  and  all  that  in  any 
way  belongs  unto  me,  direct  and  fi- 
nally save  us  in  Christ  Jesus  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

PRAYER 

Of  one  who  is  Journeying  far  from 
home. 

Everlasting  and  Omni  present 
God!  wheresoever  we  are,  whither 
we  go  or  stay,  thou  seest  us,  thou 
preservest  our  out-going  and  our  com- 
ing in,  and  directest  our  feet  in  sure 
paths  that  we  err  not,  I  beseech  thee 
to  be  with  me  on  my  journey,  and 
preserve  me  by  water  and  land,  by 
day  and  night  from  danger  and  harm; 
io 


74    PRAYER   OF   ONE  WHO   IS  JOURNEYING. 

as  thou  didst  lead  thy  servant  Abra- 
ham out  of  the  land  of  Chaldea  and 
protected  him  on  his  Journey — as 
thou  didst  bring  the  children  of  Israel 
through  the  red  sea,  and  lead  them 
safely  through  the  vast  and  dreary 
wilderness,  in  cover  of  a  cloud  by 
day  and  by  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night, 
so  also  direct  and  guide  thy  servant 
upon  his  journey  —  and  as  thou  by 
thy  holy  angel  Raphael  didst  bring 
again  unto  his  parents,  in  safety  and 
with  an  increase,  young  Tobias,  so 
also  bring  me  again  in  safety  and 
with  thy  blessing  into  the  bosom  of 
my  family,  and  thus  increase  the  ob- 
ligations under  which  I  lie,  of  prais- 
ing and  magnifying  thy  great  and 
glorious  name,  for  thy  goodness  and 
exceeding  kindness  —  In  the  mean 
time  I  would  entrust  myself  and  fam- 
ily into  thy  care  and  safe-keeping, 
until  again  we  see  each  other  in  safe- 
ty, and  unitedly  praise  and  adore 
thy  name.  Amen. 


PRAYER 

Of  thanksgiving  after  a  Journey. 

Merciful  God  !  Heavenly  Parent ! 
most  heartily  would  I  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  that  I  have  been  enabled 
to  prosecute  and  end  my  journey  in 
safety ;  that  in  health  and  perfect 
safety,  thou  hast  restored  me  to  my 
family,  and  kept  far  from  me  the 
dangers  so  incident  to  travellers,  mis- 
fortunes  and  accidents — that  robbers 
and  murderers  have  not  attacked  me, 
that  wild  and  ferocious  beasts  have 
not  fallen  upon  and  devoured  me; 
and  that  on  water  and  land  thou  hast 
caused  me  to  dwell  in  safety  ;  in 
short,  that  thy  goodness  has  encom- 
passed me  about,  and  thy  preserving 
care  continually  hovered  over  me  — 
For  this  manifestation  of  thy  peculiar 
providence  towards  me,  and  for  all 
that  I  have  and  am,  I  am  indebted 
solely  to  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  laid 
under   the    greatest    obligations    to 


7t  PRAYER    OF    A    SICK    PERSON'. 

thank  and  praise  thy  name  : — O  take 
me,  together  with  all  my  household, 
evermore  into  thy  care  and  keeping ; 
thou  slumberest  not,  neither  dost 
thou  sleep,  watch  thou  therefore  over 
us,  deliver  us  from  all  evil,  and  pre- 
serve us  in  thy  fear,  unto  eternal 
life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

PRAYER 

Of  a  Sick  Person. 

Lord !  our  Heavenly  Father,  thou 
art  indeed  a  faithful  God,  and  suf- 
ferest  no  one  to  be  tempted  above 
what  he  is  able,  but  wilt  with  the 
temptation  also  make  a  way  to  es- 
cape, that  he  may  be  able  to  bear  it; 
I  call  upon  thee,  in  my  great  distress 
and  pain,  lay  not  thy  hand  too  heavy 
upon  me:  strenghten  me,  that  with 
patience  and  resignation  to  thy  will, 
1  may  bear  my  affliction,  and  never 
be  brought  to  despair  of  thy  good- 
ness.    O  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  the  liv- 


PRAYER    FOR    A    DYING    HOUR.  77 

ing  God,  who  hast  suffered  and  died 
the  death  of  the  cross,  in  my  stead 
and  paid  a  ransom  for  my  soul,  unto 
thee  do  I  cry,  have  mercy  upon  me 
a  poor  sinner  ;  pardon  all  my  trans- 
gressions and  the  sins  of  my  whole 
life,  let  my  faith,  centered  in  thee 
and  founded  upon  thee,  never  waver 
but  increase  and  be  firm  ;  O  thou 
Holy  Spirit,  the  comforter,  preserve 
my  soul  in  patience,  and  sanctify  me 
wholly — O  leave  me  not  without  thy 
comforting  influences  and  thy  sure 
testimony  in  my  dying  hour,  but 
when  from  earth  I  must  part,  conduct 
my  longing  spirit  to  regions  of  eter- 
nal day.  Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  a  Dying  Hour. 

Almighty !  Eternal !  and  Merci- 
ful God  !  thou  art  the  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  I  am  fully 
assured  that  thy  promises  shall  be 


78  PRAYER    FOR    A    DYING    HOUR. 

fulfilled,  and  the  words  of  thy  mouth 
be  made  good — Thou  canst  not  lie, 
thy  word  is  truth — Thou  hast  prom- 
ised a  Saviour  to  fallen  men,  who  in 
the  fullness  of  time  did  make  his  ap- 
pearance and  redeem  us  from  the 
Dominion  of  sin,  the  power  of  the 
devil,  and  the  terrors  of  hell; — the 
means  of  grace  and  exalted  privi- 
leges hast  thou  granted  unto  us, 
whereby  we  can  be  brought  into  his 
saving  communion,  and  become  heirs 
of  glory.  Thy  holy  Supper  has  been 
instituted  to  refresh  and  strengthen 
our  souls  ;  in  obedience  to  thy  com- 
mand have  I  drawn  nigh  to  Jesus,  as 
unto  my  Saviour,  and  also  partook 
of  the  holy  sacrament,  and  felt  my- 
self refreshed  and  strengthened.  My 
hope  is  in  thee,  and  my  confidence  in 
my  Saviour  remains  unshaken  :  Is 
this  therefore  my  last  hour,  hast  thou 
so  ordained,  thy  will  be  done?,  stand 
by  me,  O  Lord,  in  the  last  struggle 
— and  dearest  Saviour,  receive  my 


PRAYER  FOR    DYING  FRIENDS.  79 

spirit  unto  thyself,  that  where  thou 
art  I  may  be  also.    Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  Dying  Friends. 

Thou  Lord !  art  God  over  life  and 
death,  thou  turnest  man  to  destruc- 
tion, and  sayest  return  ye  children 
of  men,  look  down,  QLord,  with  an 
eye  of  pity  and  with  bowels  of  com- 
passion, upon  this  our  friend,  whom 
in  thy  providence  thou  hast  laid  up- 
on a  bed  of  sickness  and  perhaps  of 
death ;  deal  graciously  with  him  and 
pardon  all  his  sins,  look  upon  him 
through  Jesus  Christ  his  Saviour, 
receive  the  pure  and  spotless  offer- 
ing on  Calvary  as  an  expiation  of  his 
sins ;  has  he  not  been  baptised  in  thy 
name  and  washed  in  thy  blood?  O 
so  deliver  him  from  his  sufferings 
and  ease  his  pains  —  preserve  him 
from  the  assaults  of  the  evil  one ; 
may  his  conscience,  being  pacified 
through  faitli  in  Jesus,  no  more  vex 


80     PRAYER  FOR  A  HAPPY  DEATH. 

or  trouble  him  —  may  lie  be  found 
watching  and  praying,  and  have  his 
lamp  trimmed  and  burning,  and  thus 
be  ready  to  meet  the  coming  bride- 
groom— grant  him  an  easy  death,  a 
joyful  resurrection,  and  a  happy 
eternity,  through  riches  of  grace,  in 
Jesus  the  Redeemer.     Amen. 

PRAYER 

For  a  Happy  Death. 

Most  Merciful  God!  Thou  hast 
appointed  to  man  his  bounds,  which 
he  cannot  pass,  for  his  days  are  de- 
termined, the  number  of  his  months 
are  with  thee,  all  our  days  hast  thou 
numbered,  thou  earnest  them  away 
as  with  a  flood,  as  a  shadow  do  they 
pass,  and  as  smoke  are  they  borne 
away: — As  for  man,  his  days  are  as 
grass,  as  the  flower  of  the  field  so  he 
flourisheth,  for  the  wind  passeth  over 
it  and  it  is  gone,  and  the  place  there- 
of shall  know  it  no  more. —  Lord 
make  me  to  know  mine  end  and  the 


THAYER  FOR    A    HAPPY    DEATH.  81 

jaeasure  of  my  days  what  it  is,  that 
I  may  know  how  frail  I  am  ;  teach 
us,  Lord,  so  to  number  our  days  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wis- 
dom :  May  we  remember  that  we 
have  here  no  continual  abiding  city, 
but  may  we  diligently  and  earnestly 
seek  that  which  is  to  come — May  the 
uncertainty  of  my  life,  the  changea- 
bleness  of  all  things  earthly,  and  the 
certainty  of  death,  wean  my  affec- 
tions more  and  more  from  the  world, 
and  center  them  more  in  things  above 
— May  I  never  live  unto  myself  and 
unto  the  world,  but  unto  thee  and 
unto  eternity:  teach  me  to  prove  my 
faith,  my  love  and  repentance,wheth- 
er  they  are  well  grounded,  and  if  so, 
preserve  me  continually  in  thy  fear; 
with  all  diligence  may  1  proceed  on 
my  journey  towards  the  Canaan 
above,  and  with  all  watchfulness 
await  thy  coming,  and  when  the  try- 
ing hour  shall  appear,  when  body 
and  soul  must  part,  grant  to  stand  by 
11 


82        A    GENERAL    CONFESSION    OF    SIN. 

me,  preserve  my  reason  to  the  last, 
and  may  my  dying  breuth  breathe 
out  prayers  and  supplications,  and 
my  soul's  desire  be  after  thee  ;  may 
I  not  now  deceive  myself  with  a  false 
hope  and  vain  expectations,  nor  build 
my  hopes  of  salvation  in  any  thing 
save  Jesus  Christ  and  pardon  through 
him— but  having  known  his  love,  and 
tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious,  like 
one  of  old,  may  I  say  in  my  dying 
hour,  now  letest  thou  thy  servant 
depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have 
seen  thy  salvation—  and  then  com- 
mit myself  into  the  hands  of  Jesus, 
saying,  Lord  Jesus  receive  my  spirit. 
Arnen. 

A   GENERAL    CONFESSION 
OF  SIN. 

Almighty  God!  Merciful  Parent 
and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ! 
I,  a  poor  miserable  sinner,  confess 
before  Thee,  that  I  have  sinned 
against  Thee,  from  my  earliest  in- 


A    GENERAL    CONFESSION    OF    SIN.        83 

fancy  unto  this  time,  in  thoughts, 
words,  and  in  deeds —  in  innumera- 
ble instances  have  I  left  undone  those 
things  which  I  ought  to  have  done, 
and  done  those  things  which  I  ought 
not  to  have  done  —  I  have  come  far 
short  of  thy  glory — and  in  me  there 
is  no  help.  JBehold,  Lord,  I  was 
shapen  in  iniquity,  and  in  sin  did  my 
Mother  conceive  me  —  have  mercy, 
O  Lord,  upon  me  a  miserable  sinner: 
May  I  learn  to  mourn  over  sin  as 
the  dove  mourneth  for  her  fellow — 
grant  to  work  in  me  that  godly  sor- 
row which  worketh  to  repentance, 
not  to  be  repented  of:  Thou  hast 
declared,  O  Lord,  if  we  confess  our 
sins,  thou  art  faithful  and  just  to  for- 
give us  our  sins  and  to  cleanse  us 
from  all  unrighteousness.  O  verify 
thy  promise,  forgive  all  my  sins,  and 
cleanse  me  from  all  unrighteousness, 
for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 


84  <^^> 

THANKSGIVING 

For  the  Sufferings  of  Christ. 

Most  heartily  would  I  thank 
Thee,  Lord  Jesus,  who  art  both  true 
man  and  true  God,  that  thou  hast  re- 
deemed me,  a  poor  miserable  and 
lost  sinner,  by  thy  sufferings  and 
death,  without  any  merits  or  worth- 
iness in  me — not  indeed  with  silver 
and  gold,  but  with  thy  holy  and  pre- 
cious blood  —  How  great  were  thy 
sufferings,  how  deep  the  anguish  of 
mind  ;  how  excruciating  the  tortures 
and  how  painful  thy  death :  0  how 
jreat,  beyond  expression  great,  must 
have  been  thy  love  towards  sinners, 
to  induce  thee  to  endure  so  much  to 
effect  their  reconciliation  with  God. 
When  I  consider  thy  bloody  sweat 
in  Gethsemane  —  see  thee  forsaken 
of  all  thy  disciples  —  and  willingly 
deliver  thyself  into  the  hands  of  en- 
emies, to  be  bound,  dragged  from 
one  unjust  judge  to  another;  falsely 


£5 


THANKSGIVING.  85 

accused ;  mocked,  spit  upon,  and 
crowned  with  a  crown  of  thorns,  and 
finally  to  he  nailed  to  the  accursed 
tree  —  when  I  consider  all  this,  I 
feel  constrained  to  cry  out,  O  the 
height  and  the  depth,  the  length  and 
breadth  of  the  love  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus  :  Surely  thou  hast  borne  our 
griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows  ;  thou 
art  wounded  for  our  transgressions 
and  bruised  for  our  iniquites  ;  de- 
spised and  rejected  of  men;  a  man 
of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief ; 
so  lacerated  that  even  a  heathen  was 
constrained  to  cry  out,  "Behold  the 
man!"  It  was  for  my  sake  that  thou 
wast  numbered  amongst  the  trans- 
gressors, being  made  a  curse  for  us  ; 
rugged  irons  pierced  thy  hands  and 
feet,  and  in  extreme  agony  vinegar 
was  made  thy  drink  ;  under  incon- 
ceivable agonies  didst  thou  give  up 
the  ghost,  that  our  debt  might  be 
paid,  and  that  we  through  thy  stripes 
might  be  healed.     O  Lord  Jesus,  for 


86  THANKSGIVING. 

these  and  all  thy  sufferings  would  I 
praise  and  magnify  thy  name?  and 
pray  thee  let  not  thy  sufferings  be  in 
vain  for  me,  but  may  I  thereby  ob- 
tain a  comfortable  hope,  and  learn  to 
die  daily  more  and  more  unto  sin, 
and  live  unto  righteousness  and  god- 
liness— mayest  thou  be  an  example 
of  patience  in  trouble,  resignation  in 
affliction,  of  devotedness  to  God  — 
steadfastness  to  truth,  and  perseve- 
rance in  doing  good,  unto  me  and 
unto  all  men,  which  we  may  con- 
stantly set  before  our  eyes  and  imi- 
tate as  far  as  possible  ;  hear  us,  O 
Lord,  and  grant  an  answer  in  peace. 
Amen. 


87 

PRAYER    (HP    PRAYERS, 

For  Persons  of  every  age,   rank  and  con- 
dition, in  every  situation  in  life, 

4 'But  when  ye  prav,  use  not  vain  repe- 
titions."    Matth.  6,  T. 

44  I  exhort  therefore,  that  first  of  all, 
supplications,  prayers,  intercessions  and 
giving  of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men/' 
1  Tim.  2,  1. 

44  Prayer  is  the  raising  of  the  soul  unto 
God,  and  consists  of  supplication,  prayer, 
intercession,  and  giving  of  thanks,  all  to 
the  glory  of  God," 

44 Give  ear  to  my  words,  O  Lord,  con- 
sider my  meditation,  hearken  unto  the  voice 
of  my  cry,  my  King  and  my  God  :  for  un- 
to thee  will  I  pray."  Ps.  5,  1. 

1.     Supplication    for    deliverance 
from  Evil. 

1.  LORD  how  are  they  increased 
that  trouble  me  ?  many  there  are 
that  rise  up  against  me  ;  look  upon 
mine   affliction   and   my  pain,  and 


88  PRAYERS. 

have  mercy  on  me:  O  Lord,  deliver 
me,  redeem  me,  preserve  me,  keep 
me,  defend  me,  protect  and  help  me 
out  of  all  my  troubles,  now,  hence- 
forth, and  evermore. 

2.  Number  me  not,  0  heavenly 
Father,  among  the  vessels  of  wrath, 
among  the  children  of  disobedience, 
among  the  multitude  of  the  ungodly, 
nor  among  the  number  of  those  who 
shall  perish. 

3.  O  my  dear  Jesus,  let  not  thy 
endeavors  with  me,  a  poor  sinner, 
be  without  profit ;  let  not  thy  suffer- 
ings be  of  no  avail — thy  blood  with- 
out efficacy  —  thy  death  without 
power,  and  thy  resurrection  without 
profit  to  me. 

4.  But  deliver  my  soul  from  the 
cords  of  sin,  from  the  power  of  death, 
from  the  jaws  of  hell,  from  the  do- 
minion of  satan,  and  suffer  me  not  to 
come  into  condemnation, 

5.  Leave  me  not,  O  thou  Holy 
Spirit  of  God,   but  evermore  keep 


PRAYERS.  89 

thy  dwelling  in  my  heart;  for  with- 
out thee,  I  shall  not  know,  nor  un- 
derstand, nor  accomplish  any  thing 
of  a  spiritual  nature  aright :  And  if 
Thou  give  me  not  both  to  will  and  to 
do,  of  thy  good  pleasure,  I  shall  re- 
main unprofitable. 

6.  Keep  and  preserve  me,  O  Lord, 
(in  my  views  of  Religion,)  from  all 
heresy  and  false  doctrines  —  that 
neither  the  fallacious  reasonings  of 
men  deceive  me,  nor  the  threatenings 
of  persecutors  fill  me  with  terror ; 
nor  the  world  allure,  nor  appearances 
blind  me,  to  renounce  my  faith,  to 
deny  my  Lord  that  bought  me,  or  to 
turn  again  backward  to  the  world. 

7.  Grant,  that  my  attachment  to 
Thee  may  be  without  hypocrisy ; 
my  piety  without  dissimulation,  that 
my  faith  be  not  the  work  of  man,  but 
of  God — my  attendance  to  thy  house 
and  ordinances  be  not  only  out  of 
custom,  but  out  of  delight — that  my 
prayers  be  not  without  devotion,  but 

12 


90  PRAYERS. 

breathe  the  spirit  of  Jesus — and  that 
my  love  be  sincere  and  ardent. 

8.  May  I  never  glide  into  a  state 
of  careless  security  and  perverseness 
of  heart,  and  sin  against  the  better 
convictions  of  my  conscience,  so  as 
to  love  and  approve  of  that  which  is 
evil  and  esteem  sin  a  light  matter, 
aespise  the  warnings  of  God,  and 
boast  of  my  iniquity,  and  thus  die  in 
sin. 

9.  Therefore,  banish  all  pride, 
haughtiness,  arrogance,  and  self-con- 
ceit from  my  soul,  that  I  be  not  ela- 
ted and  puffed  up  with  vanity,  con- 
sidering myself  better  than  others, 
that  I  trust  not  too  much  to  my  ge- 
nius, that  I  depend  not  upon  my  tal- 
ents, that  I  consider  not  myself  as 
only  and  sufficiently  wise,  that  I 
abuse  not  any  power  or  faculty  I 
possess,  that  I  aspire  not  after  honor 
and  riches,  that  I  meddle  not  as  a 
busy  body  in  other  men's  matter,  but 
attend  to  my  duties  uprightly. 


l'UAYKRS.  91 

10.  Enable  me  to  banish  from  my 
mind,  all  sinful  thoughts,  all  un- 
chaste desires  and  all  sinful  lusts, 
that  I  abstain  from  idle  and  vain  con- 
versations, and  beware  of  all  sinful 
undertakings. 

11.  Let  cursing  and  swearing, 
pilfering  and  stealing,  lying  and  de- 
ceit, calumny  and  backbiting,  hypoc- 
risy and  dissimulation,  adultery  and 
fornication,  and  every  thing  which  is 
contrary  to  thy  holy  will ;  the  lust 
of  the  flesh,  the  lusts  of  eye,  and  the 
pride  of  the  heart,  a  despising  of  thy 
word,unrighteousness,covetousness, 
hatred,  envy,  malice,  &c.  let  all  these 
things  be  kept  far  from  me. 

12.  Suffer  me  not,  during  the 
whole  of  my  life,  to  become  polluted 
in  mind,  vain  in  thought,  unchaste 
in  words,  mean  in  deportment,  scan- 
dalous in  my  walk,  haughty  in  con- 
duct, proud  in  heart,  secure  iu  pros- 
perity,hardened  in  bliss, nor  wasteful 
of  that  which  God  has  lent. 


92  PRAYERS. 

13.  Grant  that  I  may  not  unnec- 
essarily meddle  myself  with  other 
people's  business,  nor  judge  my 
neighbors  uncharitably,  nor  accuse 
the  innocent,  nor  grieve  the  people 
of  God,  nor  despise  the  poor,  nor 
take  advantage  of  the  weak,  nor  de- 
ride those,  who  have  fallen  into  sin, 
nor  mock  at  those  who  are  in  dis- 
tress, nor  injure  or  grieve  any  one, 
either  in  word  or  deed. 

14.  May  I  be  strengthened  to  sub- 
due my  corrupt  inclinations, passions, 
and  desires,  to  ovescome  the  tempta- 
tions of  the  devil,  and  not  be  led 
astray  nor  deceived  by  men. 

15.  And  if  it  should  happen  that 
I,  through  weakness  or  inconsider- 
ateness,  should  err  or  even  knowing- 
ly neglect  that  Avhich  is  good  and 
follow  that  which  is  evil,  O  Lord,  I 
pray  thee,  deal  not  with  thy  servant 
according  to  thy  strictest  justice ; 
when  I  err  rebuke  me  not  in  thine 
anger ;   when  I  sin  chastise  me  not 


PRAYERS.  93 

in  thy  hot  displeasure  ;  but  spare,  0 
spare  me,  according  to  the  greatness 
of  thy  mercy. 

16.  Preserve  me,  O  Lord,  and  all 
I  possess,  from  every  thing  which 
could  be  injurious  to  me — My  char- 
acter and  reputation  from  shame; 
my  property  from  thieves  ;  my  house 
from  the  ravages  of  fire  ;  my  posses- 
sions from  the  lightning's  blast;  my 
crops  from  the  destructive  hail  ;  my 
body  from  fell  disease  ;  my  mind 
from  unnecessary  cares ;  my  eyes 
from  beholding  vanity  and  abomina- 
tion ;  my  ears  from  hearing  cursings, 
slanderings,  and  backbiting ;  my 
family  circle  from  distress  and  shame; 
and  my  life  from  sudden  death. 

17.  Cut  me  not  off  in  the  midst  of 
my  days,  nor  deprive  me  of  my 
friends  ere  their  time  is  at  hand — 
let  me  not  become  a  prey  to  sickness, 
debility,  poverty  and  shame,  nor  be- 
come as  a  lonely  out-cast  from  men, 
or  become  distressed  and  afflicted  in 


94  PRAYERS. 

any  other  manner,  more  than  thou, 
0  Lord,  seest  best  for  me. 

18.  O  suffer  me  not  to  become  de- 
pendant upon  the  charities  of  others, 
io  eat  the  bread  of  idleness — to  be 
forced  to  beg  support  from  those, 
who  hate  me,  and  to  ask  aid  and  as- 
sistance from  uncharitable  and  un- 
feeling men. 

19.  But  if  thou,  0  Father,  hast 
seen  fit  in  thy  kind  Providence,  to 
bring  affliction  upon  me,  enable  me, 
with  resignation  to  thy  will,  to  bear 
my  cross,  and  sanctify,  O  Lord,  the 
afflictions  which  thou  dost  send  to 
my  everlasting  welfare — may  I  never 
murmur  nor  repine  at  thy  dealings — 
nor  despair  when  my  trials  increase, 
but  may  thy  grace  ever  be  sufficient 
for  me,  in  my  time  of  need. 

20.  Give  me  not  over  to  a  hardness 
of  heart  and  inconsiderateness  of 
mind,  but  preserve  me  in  thy  fear 
and  direct  my  reflections,  that  I  may 
not  err  in  my  determinations,  not  be- 


PRAYERS.  95 

conic  careless  in  my  business,  not 
act  inconsiderately  in  my  dealings, 
hut  in  all  things  so  conduct  myself, 
that  1  come  not  to  open  shame  before 
the  world. 

21.  Defend  me  against  the  assaults 
of  all  my  enemies,  and  deliver  me 
from  the  intrigues  of  my  pretended 
friends — when  they  calumniate  me. 
sustain  my  character;  wrhen  they 
persecute  me,  do  thou  rescue  ;  when 
they  plot  evil  against  me,  let  it  come 
to  nought ;  when  they  curse,  do  thou 
bless. 

22.  And  when,  according  to  thy 
will  and  pleasure,  I  shall  have  suf- 
fered, and  borne  calamities  enough, 

0  then,  dear  Lord,  deliver  me  from 
all  evil.  Amen. 

2.     Prayer  for  the  obtaining  and 
^preservation  of  all  good. 

"Hear  me  when  I  call,  0  God  of  my 
righteousness  :  thou  hast  enlarged  me  when 

1  was  in  distress  :  have  mercy  upon  me, 
and  hear  my  prayer."  Ps.  4,  6. 


yO  PRAYERS. 

1.  Almighty,  Merciful,  Kind  and 
Indulgent  God  and  Father,  Creator 
of  all  things  ;  Fountain  of  life ; 
Source  of  happiness;  Preserver  of 
all  things,  and  mighty  Governor  of 
the  universe. 

2.  Behold  I  draw  nigh  at  this 
time  to  thy  throne  of  grace  —  as  a 
beggar  to  one  who  is  possessed  of 
riches,  as  a  child  before  a  parent,  as 
a  subject  before  a  Sovereign,  as  a 
sinner  before  a  Being  of  infinite  pu- 
rity. 

3.  In  obedience  to  thy  command, 
I  come  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  and  pray  for  those  things 
for  which  thou  desirest  to  be  asked 
and  entreated. 

4.  Bestow  now,  O  Lord,  what  I 
pray  thee,  send  those  things  which  I 
need,  grant  what  is  good  and  advan 
tageous  for  me,  and  regulate  my  af- 
fairs according  to  thy  good  will  and 
pleasure — and  be  now  and  evermore, 
"  my  rock,  and  my  fortress,  and  my 


PRAYERS.  97 

deliverer,  my  God,  my  strength,  in 
whom  I  will  trust,  my  buckler,  and 
the  hour  of  my  salvation,  and  my 
high  tower." 

5.  O  heavenly  Father,  be  Thou 
my  God,  let  thy  wisdom  direct,  thy 
grace  preserve,  thy  love  rejoice,  thy 
mercy  console,  thy  justice  defend, 
thy  truth  lead,  and  thy  redeeming 
mercy  finally  save  me,  through  Jesus 
Christ  my  Saviour. 

6.  O  God,  the  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
be  Thou  my  Saviour — may  thy  com- 
ing into  the  world  be  my  rejoicing, 
thy  doctrine  afford  me  instruction, 
thy  life  be  my  example,  thy  suffering 
my  redemption,  thy  humility  my 
pattern,  thy  shame  my  glory,  thy 
obedience  my  righteousness,  thy 
death  my  life,  thy  resurrection  my 
comfort,  thy  ascension  my  hope,  and 
thy  judgment  my  introduction  to 
heaven. 

7.  O  God  the  Holy  Ghost  be  my 
comforter;  convert  me,  for  I  am  a 

13 


98  PRAYERS. 

sinful  being  —  make  me  alive,  for  I 
am  dead  —  awaken  me,  for  I  am 
asleep — wash  me,  for  I  am  unclean, 
and  prepare  me  for  an  eternal  life  of 
blessedness. 

8.  Enlighten  my  understanding* 
sanctify  my  will,  subdue  my  corrupt 
passions,  and  strengthen  me,  for  1 
am  weak. 

9.  Dwell  in  me  and  abide  with 
me,  Thou  blessed  trinity  —  Let  thy 
law  daily  issue  its  threatenings,  and 
thy  gospel  as  often  hold  forth  its  con- 
solations, direct  me  by  thy  word. 

10.  May  I  learn  to  know  my  sins, 
and  to  feel  sensible  of  the  punish- 
ment due,  on  account  of  them — May 
I  tremble  at  the  thought  of  hell  — 
mourn  with  a  godly  sorrow  on  account 
of  my  transgressions — believe  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  trust  in  his  mer- 
its, amend  my  life,  and  be  saved. 

11.  Bless  me,  O  Lord,  with  all 
those  graces  which  are  well  pleasing 
in  thy  sight:  may  I  be  fervent  in 


PRAYERS.  99 

spirit,  rejoicing  in  hope,  patient  in 
tribulation,  instant  in  prayer, warmed 
with  love,  ready  in  obedience,  filial 
in  fear,  and  continually  seek  those 
things  which  are  above. 

12.  Implant  in  my  heart  a  con- 
stant delight  in  thy  will  —  when  I 
read  thy  blessed  volume,  enlighten 
me  ;  when  I  would  go  to  thy  house, 
prepare  my  heart  —  when  I  hear  a 
sermon,  edify  me  —  when  I  pray, 
hear  me — when  I  sing,  raise  my  soul 
— when  I  confess  to  thee,  pardon  my 
sins — and  when  I  appear  at  thy  ho- 
ly table,  may  I  be  a  worthy  guest. 

13.  Enable  me  to  be  chaste  in 
thought,  true  in  words,  sensible  in 
discourse,  faithful  in  deed,  modest 
in  deportment,  moderate  in  joy,  con- 
siderate in  anger,  upright  in  actions, 
industrious  in  business,  fortunate  in 
undertakings,  and  consciencious  in 
all  things. 

14.  Give  me  a  heart  to  know  the 
things  of  the  spirit,  that  1  may  prove 


100  PRAYERS. 

myself,  and  at  all  times  know  every 
duty,  and  act  accordingly  —  May  I 
be  open  to  instruction,  give  ear  to 
wisdom,  and  be  enabled  to  discern 
good  from  evil,  and  thus  proving  all 
things,  hold  fast  that  which  is 
good. 

15.  Aboveallthings,mayI  abound 
in  love,  and  be  found  doing  justly 
and  loving  righteousness,  that  I  may 
act  towards  my  fellow-men  as  thou 
requirest,  give  to  each  his  due,  as- 
sist him  in  the  preservation  of  his 
own,  and  rejoice  with  him  in  his 
prosperity. 

16.  Incline  my  heart  to  be  merci- 
ful, and  let  my  hands  be  liberal  to- 
wards the  needy  —  May  1  be  the 
friend  of  those  that  are  friendless  ; 
counsel  those  who  err  ;  instruct  the 
ignorant ;  speak  in  behalf  of  those 
who  cannot  speak  for  themselves  ; 
relieve  the  poor, strengthen  the  weak, 
revive  those  who  are  famishing,  raise 
those  who  have  fallen,  assist  the 


PRAYERS.  101 

destitute,   comfort  the  comfortless, 
and  do  good  to  all  men. 

17.  Dispose  me  ever  to  be  willing 
to  be  reconciled  to  those  who  have 
injured  me,  to  love  my  enemies,  to 
bless  those  who  curse  me,  to  do  good 
to  those  that  hate  me,  to  pray  for 
those  that  despitefully  use  me,  and 
to  spare  those  who  insult  and  attack 
me. 

18.  Yes,  may  I  feed  them  when 
they  are  hungry,  give  them  to  drink 
when  they  are  thirsty,  and  thus  re- 
quite good  for  evil. 

19.  In  general,  teach  me  to  con- 
duct myself  towards  all  men,  as  it 
becometh  a  christian  —  with  respect 
to  my  pastor,  with  obedience  to  all 
in  authority,  with  kind  feelings  to- 
wards my  neighbors,  humble  before 
the  great,  unassuming  before  the 
poor,  thankful  towards  my  benefac- 
tor, upright  towards  my  friends,  re- 
joice with  those  who  rejoice,  weep 
with  those  who  weep,  that  my  love 


102  PRAYERS. 

may  prove  itself  to  be  genuine,  and  I 
may  live  in  peace  and  harmony  with 
all  men. 

20.  And  as  this  world  is  full  of 
temptations,  and  our  path  beset  with 
difficulties,  I  pray  thee  conduct  my 
ways,  and  direct  me  in  the  society 
of  men  that  I  may  as  much  as  pos- 
sible avoid  the  wicked,  and  associate 
myself  with  the  pious  and  imitate 
their  example,  warn  the  wicked,  and 
under  every  circumstance  of  life  con- 
duct myself  as  a  follower  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

21.  Then,  O  Heavenly  Parent, 
bestow  upon  me,  as  much  of  this 
world's  prosperity,  as  thou  seest  will 
be  best  for  me,  and  evermore  grant 
me  a  good  understanding,  a  pure  con- 
science, and  a  healthful  body. 

22.  Continue  unto  me,  what  thou 
hast  already  bestowed,  let  my  mem- 
ory be  retentive,  my  senses  quick, 
my  strength  increasing,  the  faculties 
of  my  soul  be  daily  developing,  and 


PRAYERS.  103 

my  life  be  spared  as  long  as  thou 
shalt  see  most  advantageous  for  me. 

23.  When  I  partake  of  thy  mer- 
cies, let  it  be  with  thanksgiving  — 
when  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep,  do 
thou  watch  over  me  :  when  I  awake, 
excite  my  soul  to  praise  :  when  I  go 
abroad,  conduct  me  :  when  I  return, 
preserve  me  in  safety  :  when  I  enter 
upon  a  journey,  accompany  me  :  in 
my  family  circle,  bless  me :  in  my 
declining  age  be  Thou  my  stay,  and 
let  the  guard  of  thy  holy  angels  ever 
surround  and  defend  me. 

24.  Place  me  in  such  a  situation, 
which  Thou  knowest  will  best  pro- 
mote my  spiritual  welfare,  in  due 
time  humble,  and  in  a  convenient 
season,  exalt  me ;  as  much  honor 
and  respect  as  thou  knowest  I  will 
be  enabled  to  bear  without  pride, 
grant  me,  and  conduct  and  regulate 
my  doings. 

25.  Strengthen  me  to  attend  to 
my  daily  employment ;  grant  an  in- 


104  PRAYERS. 

clination  to  and  pleasure  in  my  call- 
ing, and  bestow  every  necessary 
qualification  both  of  body  and  mind, 
and  let  me  live  in  peace  and  quiet- 
ness with  all  men. 

26.  And  if,  in  thy  providence, 
Thou  shouldest  grant  me  a  partner 
in  life,  may  we  live  together  in  peace 
all  our  days,  to  thine  own  honor  and 
glory. 

27.  In  every  other  respect,  com- 
mand thy  blessing  to  rest  upon  me — 
may  my  undertakings  and  business 
be  crowned  with  success,  that  I  may 
always  have  sufficient,  to  feed,  clothe, 
and  support  myself  and  family  —  in 
the  day  of  sickness  and  distress  not 
be  in  want,  and  always  be  able  to 
assist  the  needy,  to  relieve  the  poor, 
and  to  do  something  for  the  promo- 
tion of  thine  honor  and  glory. 

28.  And,  as  no  one  liveth  to  him- 
self, but  is  necessarily  connected 
with  those  amongst  whom  he  lives, 
may  I  ever  by  my  conduct  merit  the 


PRAYERS.  105 

good  will  and  affection  of  my  fellow- 
beings,  so  that  I  may  never  want 
friends  in  need,  to  assist,  council  and 
console  me,  but  that  in  every  need, 
in  every  distress  and  affliction,  they 
may  be  nigh,  and  do  every  thing  in 
their  power  to  lighten  my  affliction 
and  to  render  more  supportable  my 
distress. 

29.  If  troubles  and  crosses  come, 
as  they  necessarily  will  in  this  trou- 
blesome world,  grant  me  patience  in 
affliction,  humility  when  the  world 
despises  me,  calmness  and  mildness 
towards  those  who  insult  me,  and 
contentment  in  all  circumstances  of 
life. 

30.  When  I  am  forsaken  of  men, 
do  Thou  stand  by  me  ;  when  I  am 
troubled,  set  my  mind  at  rest;  when 
I  am  in  distress,  console  me;  when 
I  am  weak,  strengthen  me ;  when  my 
spirit  droops,  revive  me ;  and  when 
any  thing  has  taken  place  which  now 
cannot  be  altered,  may  I  banish  all 

14 


106  PRAYERS. 

unnecessary  and  unprofitable  cares 
from  my  mind. 

31.  And  lastly,  when  I  am  sick, 
be  my  Physician;  when  I  am  in  pain, 
give  me  ease ;  when  I  use  the  ap- 
pointed means,  sanctify  them  to  my 
recovery,  if  it  is  best  for  me ;  and  if 
thou  hast  determined  otherwise,  and 
it  shall  be  a  sickness  unto  death,  may 
I  retain  my  senses  to  the  last,  and 
have  a  happy  exit  out  of  this  trouble- 
some world,to  enter  upon  joys  above. 

3.     Intercession  for  all  men. 

" Behold  now,  I  have  taken  upon  me  to 
speak  unto  the  Lord,  who  am  but  dust  and 
ashes."  Jer.  18,  27. 

1.  O  GOD,  who  in  days  past  hast 
been  merciful  towards  our  dear  coun- 
try, hear  now  the  voice  of  my  sup- 
plication, and  let  every  christian  and 
all  my  fellow- men,  be  remembered 
in  my  prayer. 

2.  Preserve,  defend,  govern  and 
guide,  the  little  flock  of  thy  church, 


PRAYERS.  107 

on  earth  —  let  no  false  doctrines  be 
declared  from  our  pulpits — no  erro- 
neous principles  instilled  into  the 
minds  of  the  young  in  our  schools — 
preserve  our  congregations  from 
strife,  our  assembling  together  from 
pride  and  self-conceit,  and  let  not 
persecution  follow  and  destroy  us. 

3.  Stop  the  course  of  the  enemy 
of  our  faith,  let  all  the  councils  of 
the  ungodly  against  us  come  to 
nought,  destroy  all  heresy,  and  let 
the  fallacious  doctrines  of  men  be  no 
more  regarded,  that  the  honor  and 
glory  of  thy  name,  may  be  spread 
more  and  more  throughout  the  world. 

1.  Enlighten  the  ignorant,  convert 
the  wicked,  direct  the  erring,  reclaim 
the  wandering,  spare  the  sinner, 
pardon  the  penitent,  and  make  wise 
the  trifler. 

5.  Grant  that  the  ministers  of  the 
everlasting  gospel,  may  be  apt  to 
teach,  preaching  the  word,  be  instant 
in  season  and  out  of  season ;  reprove, 


108  PRAYERS. 

rebuke,  console,  direct,  exhort,  with 
all  long-suffering  and  doctrine,  being 
themselves  a  pattern  of  holiness  and 
an  example  to  the  flock  in  all  things. 

6.  Bless  too  their  ministrations 
amongst  us,  prosper  thou  the  work 
of  their  hands  ;  yea,  the  work  of 
their  hands  prosper  thou  it  —  May 
thy  word,  being  attentively  and  pray- 
erfully heard  and  mixed  with  faith 
by  those  who  hear  it,  prove  itself 
powerful  and  efficacious  upon  the 
hearts  of  sinners  and  saints,  may  it 
be  unto  all  the  power  and  wisdom  of 
God  to  salvation. 

7.  Bless  also  the  Rulers  which  in 
thy  Providence  have  been  placed 
over  us — the  President  of  these  uni- 
ted states — the  Governor  of  this  state, 
and  all  in  authority ;  indue  them 
with  the  piety  of  a  David,  the  wis- 
dom of  a  Solomon,  the  resolution  of 
a  Sampson  ;  may  they  be  men  fear- 
ing God,  loving  righteousness  and 
doing  justly,  and  under  their  admin- 


PRAYERS.  109 

istration,  may  the  interests  and  pros- 
perity of  our  country  be  advanced. 

8.  Let  the  welfare  of  our  common 
country  be  near  their  heart — may 
they  be  interested  in  the  prosperity 
of  Zion,  seek  to  promote  the  happi- 
ness of  their  subjects,  live  on  friendly 
terms  with  all  nations,  and  ever  be 
victorious  against  their  enemies,  and 
the  enemies  of  thy  kingdom. 

9.  Implant  a  love  of  peace  into 
the  hearts  of  kings,  and  governors, 
and  rulers  ;  let  the  nobles  of  the 
earth  inquire  after  the  ways  of  God 
— let  all  officers  possess  sound  judg- 
ment— all  judges  judge  in  righteous- 
ness, and  all  rulers  rule  in  mercy. 

10.  That  amongst  us  evil  doers, 
may  be  punished,  the  industrious 
protected,  vice  and  wickedness  be 
banished,  useful  institutions  firmly 
established,  and  each  be  found  faith- 
ful in  his  lawful  calling. 

11.  Therefore,  dispose  the  hearts 
of  all  subjects  to  respect  their  rulers, 


110  PRAYERS. 

to  be  attached  to  their  government, 
to  honor  their  laws,  and  be  willing 
to  loose  their  all,  even  their  life, 
rather  than  to  sin  against  God. 

12.  Yes,  Lord,  be  favorably  dis- 
posed towards  our  whole  country — 
increase  our  population — prosper  our 
commerce — preserve  our  manufacto- 
ries —  and  bless  the  labors  of  the 
honest  countrymen  —  and  add  thy 
blessing  to  all  our  national  con- 
cerns. 

13.  Bless  thy  church  universal, 
let  the  borders  of  the  redeemer's 
kingdom  be  enlarged,  let  the  multi- 
tude of  converts  be  increased,  and  let 
the  prayers  and  endeavors  of  thy 
people  be  crowned  with  success. 

14.  Bless  also  individual  families, 
grant  that  all  parents  may  live  to- 
gether in  love,  let  them  have  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  their  children 
growing  up  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  become  useful  members  of  soci- 
ety here,  and  be  prepared  for  an  ad- 


PRAYERS.  Ill 

mission  into  the  society  of  the  saints 
above. 

15.  Teach  children  to  honor,  re- 
spect, fear,  love  and  obey  their  par- 
ents, as  in  the  Lord  ;  knowing  that 
the  Lord  sayeth  to  them,  "  Honor 
thy  Father  and  Mother,  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  in  the  land,  which  the 
Lord  thy  (rod  giveth  thee." 

16.  Let  the  relation  existing  be- 
tween servants  and  masters  be  such 
as  to  merit  thy  approbation  ;  "  may 
servants  be  obedient  unto  their  own 
masters,  and  to  please  them  well  in 
all  things  ;  not  answering  again,  not 
purloining,  but  showing  all  good,  fi- 
delity, that  they  may  adorn  the  doc- 
trine of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things; 
may  masters,  in  meekness  instruct 
and  in  patience  bear  their  servants, 
rendering  them  their  just  due  for 
their  labor. 

17.  In  short,  we  would  commit  to 
Thee  the  concerns  of  all  men  ;  grant 
to  each  what  thou  seest  they  may 


112  PRAYERS 

stand  in  need  of — clothe  the  naked, 
feed  the  hungry,  refresh  the  weary, 
comfort  the  distressed,  give  the  weary 
and  heavy  laden  rest,  visit  the  rich, 
guide  the  young,  support  the  aged, 
be  thou  the  widow's  God,  and  the 
Father  of  the  fatherless  —  and  may 
all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men,  in  all 
the  various  circumstances  of  life,  ex- 
perience thy  care  and  thy  kind  regard 
for  their  welfare. 

18.  But  especially  would  I  com- 
mit to  thy  care  and  keeping,  my 
family,  my  friends,  neighbors  and  ac- 
quaintance, preserve  them  from  all 
evil,  lead  them  in  all  truth,  reward 
my  benefactors,  be  thou  the  stay  of 
my  friends,  bless  my  enemies,  forgive 
my  persecutors,  convert  my  calumni- 
ators, enlighten  my  despisers,  and  at 
last  bring  us  all  together,  into  thy 
glorious  and  immediate  presence. — 
4.    Giving  of  thanks  for  all  men. 

"Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul  ;  and  all 
that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  name. — 


PRAYERS.  113 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  forget  not 
all  his  benefits."  Ps.  103,  1.  2. 

1.  O  THOU  Eternal,  Powerful, 
and  Almighty  God  !  how  unsearch- 
able is  thy  wisdom,  how  unlimited 
thy  goodness,  how  unbounded  thy 
love,how  long-suffering  thy  patience, 
how  righteous  thy  justice,  and  how 
incomprehensible  thy  favors  bestow- 
ed upon  me. 

2.  Lord,  I  feel  sensible  of  my 
nothingness  and  of  thy  greatness,  of 
my  sinfulness  and  thy  holiness,  of 
my  un worthiness  and  of  thy  majesty; 
shame  belongeth  unto  me,  but  unto 
thee  honor  and  glory. 

3.  I  am  as  nothing  before  thee, 
thou  art  all  in  all — I  am  sinful,  but 
thou  art  holy — I  have  been  rebelli- 
ous, but  thou  wast  slow  to  anger ;  I 
have  been  disobedient,  but  thou  wast 
abundant  in  mercy — I  am  not  worthy 
of  thy  regard,  but  thou  in  mercy  didst 
behold  me  ;  Lord,  I  am  not  worthy 

15 


114  PRAYERS. 

of  the  least  of  the  mercies  which  thou 
hast  bestowed  upon  me. 

4.  Wonderful  are  thy  works,  ter- 
rible thy  threatenings,  mighty  thy 
punishments — for  our  good  thy  chas- 
tisement —  sure  thy  promises,  faith- 
ful thy  words,  and  thy  love  is  above 
all — it  is  higher  than  the  heavens, 
more  extensive  than  the  earth,  and 
deeper  than  the  sea. 

5.  I  am  the  creature  of  thy  hand, 
and  thou  art  my  creator ;  I  am  thy 
child,  and  thou  art  my  Father  ;  I  am 
thy  servant,  thou  my  Lord ;  I  am 
thy  debtor,  thou  my  Benefactor,  for 
of  thee  and  from  thee  are  all  things 
that  I  am  and  possess. 

6.  Therefore  would  I  praise  thee, 
O  God,  my  heavenly  Father,  that 
thou  hast  created  me  and  fashioned 
me  after  thine  own  image,  and  hast 
created  me  an  intelligent  and  ration- 
al Being,  and  permitted  me  to  be 
born  in  a  land  of  gospel  light  and 
privileges,in  the  bosom  of  thy  church. 


PRAYERS.  115 

7.  We  would  especially  praise 
Thee,  that  when  there  was  no  arm 
to  save  and  no  eye  to  pity,  thou  didst 
look  down  upon  a  world  lying  in  in- 
iquity, didst  send  thy  Son  as  our 
Saviour,  who  has  opened  a  new  and 
living  way  to  thee,  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, and  by  his  sufferings  and  death 
made  a  complete  atonement  for  the 
sins  of  the  world. 

8.  Thou  art  worthy  to  be  adored, 
dearest  Saviour,  that  thou  hast  be- 
come our  Brother,  our  Mediator,  our 
Deliverer,  our  Redeemer,  our  Sav- 
iour, and  our  Emanuel. 

9.  Receive  our  heartfelt  expres- 
sions of  gratitude  and  praise,  most 
holy,  kind  and  merciful  Saviour,  for 
thy  loving  kindness  and  faithfulness, 
that  thou  didst  come  into  the  world, 
assume  our  nature,  that  thou  didst 
bear  reproach  and  shame  for  us,  that 
thou  didst  die  the  just  for  the  unjust, 
that  we  might  be  brought  near  to 
God ;  that  thou  didst  arise  from  the 


116  PRAYERS. 

dead  and  ascend  into  heaven,  thus 
assuring  us  that  our  bodies  too  shall 
rise,  and  that  thy  sincere  followers 
now  can  hope  to  have  at  last  a  glori- 
ous ascension  to  thee  our  glorified 
Saviour. 

10.  How  cheering  are  the  doc- 
trines of  thy  gospel,  how  consoling 
thy  promises,  how  valuable  thy  re- 
demption, how  efficacious  thy  suffer- 
ings, how  powerful  thy  blood. 

11.  Therefore,  would  my  soul 
ever  praise  thy  holy  name,  that  thou 
hast  accomplished  the  design  of  the 
Father,  that  thou  hast  reconciled  me 
to  God,  redeemed  me  from  hell,  ac- 
cepted me  in  baptism,  and  hast  re- 
freshed and  strengthened  me  at  thy 
holy  table,  with  the  bread  of  life  and 
water  of  salvation. 

12.  And,  O  God,    Thou    Holy. 
Spirit  —  Thou  comforter  in  every 
time  of  sorrow,  upon  thee  would  I 
call,  to  thee  would  I  pray,  and  to 
thee  offer  up  praise  and  thanksgiving. 


PRAYERS.  117 

13.  From  thee  cometh  every  spir- 
itual good — from  thee  all  that  I  think, 
speak  and  do — from  thee  I  have  ob- 
tained both  to  will  and  to  do,  accord- 
ing to  thy  good  pleasure,  thou  alone 
canst  lit  and  prepare  me  for  eternal 
life. 

14.  Thou  callest  me,  before  I  think 
of  performing,  thou  waitest  until  I 
do  perform,  thou  assistest  that  I  may 
perform,  and  thou  strengthenest  me 
that  I  can  perform. 

15.  Precious  are  thy  gifts,  rich 
thy  consolation,  blessed  thy  com- 
munion with  our  souls,  and  cheering 

to  the  heart  thv  voice  of  love. 

«/ 

16.  Therefore  would  I  now  praise 
thee,  and  throughout  the  endless 
ages  of  eternity  give  thanks  unto  thee, 
that  thou  hast  powerfully  and  suc- 
cessfully operated  upon  my  heart, 
and  awakened  me  to  a  sense  of  duty, 
called  me  by  thy  Holy  word,  accept- 
ed me  through  Baptism,  enlightened 
my  understanding,sanctifled  my  soul, 


118  PRAYERS. 

renewed  my  perverted  faculties,  and 
thus  made  me  a  renewed  creature  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  an  heir  of  eternal 
glory. 

17.  O  thou  holy  and  blessed  Trin- 
ity, we  would  all  unite  in  the  praise 
of  thy  matchless  love,  and  thank  thee 
for  all  that  thnu  hast  done  us,  both 
according  to  body  and  soul — that  thy 
hand  has  been  extended  over  thy 
church,  that  no  heresy  nor  false  doc- 
trines have  crept  in  amongst  us  ;  that 
our  country  is  still  enjoying  peace 
and  prosperity,  and  that  in  all  things 
we  can  rejoice  in  a  perfect  and  all- 
over-ruling  Providence. 

18.  Thou  hast  not  only  preserved 
us  in  peace  with  other  nations,  but 
also  from  civil  commotions  and  dis- 
cord within  our  own  borders,  from 
famine,  disease  and  pestilence,  for 
all  which  we  feel  bound  to  praise  thy 
holy  name. 

19.  It  is  of  thy  mercy  that  we  are 
not  yet  consumed,  for  thou  makest 


PRAYERS.  119 

thy  sun  to  arise  over  us,  and  thy 
early  and  latter  rains  to  descend  that 
the  earth  may  yield  her  increase, 
and  we  may  day  by  day  have  our 
daily  bread. 

20.  Now,  O  Lord,  how  much  are 
we  indebted  to  thee ;  from  our  in- 
fancy unto  this  day,  hast  thou  watch- 
ed over  us,  with  a  father's  care ;  led 
us  with  parental  kindness,  and  most 
liberally  supplied  all  our  wants, 
through  many  difficulties  brought  us, 
from  much  evil  preserved  us,  out  of 
much  affliction  delivered  us,  and  in 
many  sorrows  raised  and  comforted 
our  souls. 

21.  When  sickness  has  preyed 
upon  my  system,  thou  hast  again  re- 
stored me  to  health  ;  when  I  have 
erred,  thou  hast  directed  me  aright 
again  ;  when  I  have  sinned  thou  hast 
borne  me  with  compassion ;  when  I 
felt  sorry  for  my  sins,  thou  hast  par- 
doned ;  when  I  have  prayed  thou 
hast  heard  me  ;  when  I  have  under- 


120  PRAYERS. 

taken  any  thing  in  a  good  cause, 
though  others  have  endeavored  to 
hinder  me,  yet  hast  thou  strengthen- 
ed me  to  persevere. 

22.  In  my  infancy,  hast  thou  al- 
ready provided  for  me ;  in  my  youth, 
led  me,  and  in  my  declining  years, 
I  trust  thou  wilt  not  forsake  me. 

23.  Through  thy  assistance,  have 
I  obtained  many  a  friend  and  patron 
in  the  world,  (many  a  friend  and 
counselor  in  a  foreign  land, )  and  at 
all  times  and  every  where  had  my 
support  and  maintance. 

24.  Therefore,  O  Lord,  assist  me 
to  praise  and  magnify  thy  holy  name, 
for  all  which  thou  hast  done  to  me ; 
for  the  time  which  thou  hast  lent  me, 
the  days  and  nights  which  thou  hast 
granted,  the  present  hour  to  which 
thou  hast  brought  me,  for  the  quiet 
sleep  which  thou  hast  permitted  me 
to  enjoy  during  the  past  night,  for 
health,  friends,  wealth,  prosperity, 
and  for  every  other  enjoyment. 


PRAYERS.  121 

25.  I  would  praise  thee  for  the 
situation  in  life  into  which  thou  hast 
placed  me,  for  the  reputation  which 
thou  hast  made  me  to  possess  among 
men,  for  the  prosperity  which  thou 
hast  poured  out  upon  me,  for  the 
faithful  partner  in  life  who  thou  hast 
led  to  me,  for  the  children  thou  hast 
sent,  and  in  short  for  every  hlessing 
and  enjoyment,  would  the  grateful 
feelings  of  my  soul  ascend  to  Thee. 

26.  O  Lord  our  God,  how  many 
are  there  in  the  world,  who  now  are 
poorer,  more  distressed,  more  miser- 
able, more  unhappy,  than  I  am? 

27.  Therefore  would  I  bring  thee 
praise  aiul  glory,  that  thou  hast  not 
only  bestowed  upon  me  and  others, 
so  much  undeserved  good,  but  that 
thou  hast  also  made  me  sensible  of 
and  thankful  for  it. 

28.  My  soul,  with  all  her  faculties 
and  power,  and  all  that  is  within  me, 
shall  praise  my  God. 

29.  Let  all  the  angels  praise  thee, 

16 


122  PRAYERS. 

let  all  the  saints  praise  thee — let  the 
heathen  praise  thee  —  let  the  people 
praise  thee:  O  God,  let  all  the  peo- 
ple praise  thee. 

30.  Glory  to  God  the  Father, 
who  has  created  me,  to  God  the 
Son  who  has  ledeemed  me,  and  to 
God  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  has  sanc- 
tified me — Glory  to  the  ever  blessed 
and  holy  Trinity,  now,  henceforth, 
and  forever. — Amen. 


* "WfV  ^F  W""^- 


123 


HYJWLI¥S# 


1.— C.  M. 

Tlie  Successful  Resolve.     Esth.  iv,  16. 

COME,  humble  sinner,  in  whose  breast 
A  thousand  thoughts  revolve, 

Come,  with  your  guilt  and  fear  opprest, 
And  make  this  last  resolve  : 

44  I'll  go  to  Jesus,  though  my  sin 

Hath  like  a  mountain  rose  ; 
I  know  his  courts,  I'll  enter  in, 

Whatever  may  oppose  : 

44  Prostrate  I'll  lie  before  his  throne, 
And  there  my  guilt  confess ; 

I'll  tell  him  I'm  a  wretch  undone, 
Without  his  sovereign  grace  : 

44  Perhaps  he  will  admit  my  plea, 
Perhaps  will  hear  my  prayer ; 

But  if  I  perish  I  will  pray, 
And  only  perish  there. 

44 1  can  but  perish  if  I  go, 

I  am  resolv'd  to  try  $ 
For  if  I  stay  away,  I  know 

I  must  forever  die." 


124  m  HYMNS. 

•  But  if  I  die  with  mercy  sought, 
When  I  the  King  have  tried, 
This  were  to  die  (  delightful  thought !) 
As  sinner  never  died. 

2.— L.  M. 

Seeking  Pardon.     Ps.  xxxii,  8, 

LORD,  at  thy  feet  I  prostrate  fall, 
Oppress'd  with  fears  to  thee  I  call : 
Reveal  thy  pard'ning  love  to  me, 
And  set  my  captive  spirit  free. 

Hast  thou  not  said,  "  Seek  ye  my  face  $" 
The  invitation  I  embrace  ; 
I'll  seek  thy  face  ;  thy  Spirit  give  ! 
0  let  me  see  thy  face,  and  live. 

I'll  wait,  perhaps  my  Lord  will  come  ; 
If  I  turn  back,  hell  is  my  doom  ; 
And  begging  in  his  way,  I'll  lie 
Till  the  dear  Saviour  passes  by. 

I'll  seek  his  face  with  cries  and  tears, 
With  secret  sighs  and  fervent  pray'rs  ; 
And  if  not  heard,  I'll  waiting  sit, 
And  perish  at  my  Saviour's  feet. 

But  can'st  thou,  Lord,  see  all  my  pain, 
And  bid  me  seek  thy  face  in  vain  ? 
No  !  Jesus  will  not,  can't  deceive, 
The  soul  that  seeks  his  face  shall  live 


HYMNS.  125 

3.— P.  M. 

Jesus,  thou  Son  of  David,  have  mercy  on 

me.     Mark  x,  47. 
JESUS !  full  of  all  compassion, 

Hear  thy  humble  suppliant's  cry  $ 
Let  me  know  thy  great  salvation  $ 

See!  I  languish,  faint,  and  die. 

Guilty,  but  with  heart  relenting, 
Overwhelm'd  with  helpless  grief, 

Prostrate  at  thy  feet  repenting, 
Send,  O  send  me  quick  relief! 

Whither  should  a  wretch  be  flying, 
But  to  him  who  comfort  gives  ? 

Whither,  from  the  dread  of  flying, 
But  to  him  who  ever  lives  ? 

While  I  view  thee,  wounded,  grieving, 
Breathless  on  the  cursed  tree, 

Fain  I'd  feel  my  heart  believing 
That  thou  sutfer'dst  thus  for  me. 

Without  thee,  the  world  possessing, 
I  should  be  a  wretch  undone  ; 

Search  thro'  heaven ;  the  land  of  blessing, 
Seeking  good,  and  finding  none. 

Hear,  then,  blessed  Saviour,  hear  me ! 

My  soul  cleaveth  to  the  dust  $ 
Send  the  Comforter  to  cheer  me ; 

Lo !  in  thee  I  put  my  trust. 


126  HYMNS* 

Sav'd — the  deed  shall  spread  new  glory 
Through  the  shining  realms  above ! 

Angels  sing  the  pleasing  story, 
AH  enraptur'd  with  thy  love ! 

4.— C.  M. 

Imploring  Mercy.     Luke  xviii.  13. 

LORD  !  at  thy  feet  in  dust  I  lie, 
And  knock  at  mercy's  door; 

With  humble  heart  and  weeping  eye, 
Thy  favour  I  implore. 

On  me,  0  Lord,  do  thou  display 

Thy  rich,  forgiving  love  ; 
0  take  my  henious  guilt  away, 

This  heavy  load  remove. 

Without  thy  grace  I  sink  opprest 

Down  to  the  gates  of  hell ; 
0  give  my  troubled  spirit  rest, 

And  all  my  fears  dispel. 

*Tis  mercy,  mercy,  I  impiore, 

O  may  thy  bowels  move  : 
Thy  grace  is  an  exhaustless  store* 

And  thou  thyself  art  love. 

Should  I  at  last  in  heaven  appear, 

To  join  thy  saints  above  $ 
['11  shout  that  mercy  brought  me  ther6f 

And  sing  thy  bleeding  love. 


HYMNS.  1W 

5.— S.  M. 

Bethesda's  Pool.     John  ii.  4. 

BESIDE  the  gospel  pool, 
Appointed  for  the  poor, 
From  year  to  year  my  helpless  soul 
Has  waited  for  a  cure. 

How  often  have  I  seen 
The  healing  waters  move; 
And  others  round  me  stepping  in, 
There  efficacy  prove  ! 

But  my  complaints  remain  ; 
I  feel  the  very  same ; 
As  full  of  guilt,  and  fear,  and  pain, 
As  when  at  first  I  came. 

O,  would  the  Lord  appear 
My  malady  to  heal  ; 
He  knows  how  long  I've  languished  here, 
And  what  distress  I  feel. 

[  How  often  have  I  thought, 
Why  should  I  longer  lie  ? 
Surely  the  mercy  I  have  sought 
Is  not  for  such  as  I  \ 

But  whither  can  I  go  ? 
There  is  no  other  pool 
Where  streams  of  sov'reign  virtue  flow 
To  make  a  sinner  whole.  ] 


128  HYMNS. 

Here,  then,  irom  day  to  day, 
I'll  wait,  and  hope  and  try ; 
Can  Jesus  hear  a  sinner  pray, 
Yet  suffer  him  to  die? 

No — he  is  full  of  grace  j 
He  never  will  permit 
A  soul,  that  fain  would  see  his  face, 
To  perish  at  his  feet. 

6.— S.  M. 

God  the  preserver  of  his  people* 

TO  God  the  only  wise, 
Our  Saviour  and  our  King, 

Let  all  the  saints  below  the  skies 
Their  humble  praises  bring. 

?Tis  his  almighty  love, 

His  council  and  his  care, 
Preserves  us  safe  from  sin  and  death, 

And  ev'ry  hurtful  snare. 

He  will  present  our  souls 
Unblemish'd  and  complete, 

Before  the  glory  of  his  face, 
With  joys  divinely  great. 

Then  all  his  faithful  sons 

Shall  meet  around  the  throne, 

Shall  bless  the  conduct  of  his  grace, 
And  make  his  wonders  known. 


HYMNS.  129 

To  our  Redeemer,  God, 

Wisdom  and  pow'r  belongs, 
Immortal  crowns  of  majesty, 

And  everlasting  songs. 

7.— C.  M. 

For  a  new  Nature. 

Supreme  High-priest,  the  pilgrim's  light, 

My  heart  for  thee  prepare  $ 
Thine  image  stamp,  and  deeply  write 

Thy  superscription  there. 

Ah,  let  my  forehead  bear  the  seal, 

My  arm  thy  badge  retain, 
My  heart  the  inward  witness  feel 

That  I  am  born  again. 

Into  the  humble  mansion  come, 

Set  up  thy  dwelling  here  : 
Possess  my  heart  and  leave  no  room 

For  sin  to  harbour  there  : 

Ah,  give  me,  Lord,  the  single  eye, 
Which  aims  at  naught  but  thee : 

I  fain  would  live,  and  yet  not  I — 
Let  Jesus  live  in  me. 

O  that  the  penetrating  sight 

And  eagle's  eye  were  mine  ! 
Undazzled  at  the  boundless  light, 

Of  majesty  divine  -, 

17 


130  HYMNS. 

That  with  the  armies  of  the  sky 

I  too  may  sit  and  sing, 
Add,  Saviour,  to  the  eagle's  eye, 

The  dove's  aspiring  wing. 

8.— L.  M. 

Humble  Trust;  or  Despair  Prevented 

LORD,  didst  thou  die,  but  not  for  me? 

Am  I  forbid  to  trust  thy  blood  ? 
Hast  thou  not  pardons  rich  and  free  ? 

And  grace,  an  overwhelming  flood  ? 

Presumptious  thought !  to  fix  the  bound  : 
To  limit  mercy's  sov'reign  reign ; 

"What  other  happy  souls  have  found, 
I'll  seek  ;  nor  shall  I  seek  in  vain. 

I  own  my  guilt ;  my  sins  confess ; 

Can  men  or  devils  make  them  more? 
Of  crimes  already  numberless, 

Vain  the  attempt  to  swell  the  score. 

Were  the  black  list  before  my  sight, 
While  I  remember  thou  hast  died, 

'Twould  only  urge  my  speedier  flight 
To  seek  salvation  at  thy  side. 

Low  at  thy  feet  I'll  cast  me  down, 
To  thee  reveal  my  guilt  and  fear ; 

And — if  thou  spurn  me  from  thy  throne, 
I'll  be  the  first  who  perish'd  there* 


HYMNS.  131 

9.— C.  M. 

'The  pleasures  of  a  pure  conscience* 

O  HAPPY  soul  that  lives  on  high  ! 

While  men  lie  grov'ling  here. 
His  hopes  are  fix'cl  above  the  sky, 

And  faith  forbids  his  fear. 

His  conscience  knows  no  secret  stings  ; 

While  grace  and  joy  combine 
To  form  a  life,  whose  holy  springs 

Are  hidden  and  divine. 

He  waits  in  secret  on  his  God ; 

His  God  in  secret  sees. 
Let  earth  be  all  in  arms  abroad, 

He  dwells  in  heavenly  peace. 

His  pleasures  rise  from  things  unseen, 

Beyond  this  world  and  time, 
Where  neither  eyes  nor  ears  have  been, 

Nor  thoughts  of  mortals  climb. 

He  looks  to  heaven's  eternal  hill, 

To  meet  that  glorious  bay, 
When  Christ  his  promise  shall  fulfill, 

And  call  his  soul  away. 

1©.— C.  M. 

Christ  Precious.     1  Pet.  ii.  7. 

HOW  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds 
In  a  believer's  ear ! 


132  HYMNS. 

It  sooths  his  sorrows,  heals  his  woundSf 
And  drives  away  his  fear. 

It  makes  the  wounded  spirit  whole, 
And  calms  the  troubled  breast  5 

'Tis  manna  to  the  hungry  soul, 
And  to  the  weary,  rest. 

By  him  my  pray'rs  acceptance  gain, 

Although  with  sin  defil'd  ; 
Satan  accuses  me  in  vain, 

And  I  am  own'd  a  child. 

Weak  is  the  effort  of  my  heart, 
And  cold  my  warmest  thought ; 

But  when  I  see  thee  as  thou  art, 
I'll  praise  thee  as  I  ought. 

Till  then  I  would  thy  love  proclaim^ 
With  every  fleeting  breath  ; 

And  may  the  music  of  thy  name 
Refresh  my  soul  in  death. 

11.— P.  M. 

Sitting  at  Jesus'  feet. 
SWEET  the  moments,  rich  in  blessing, 

Which  before  the  cross  I  spend  ; 
Life,  and  health,  and  peace  possessing, 

From  the  sinner's  dying  friend  : 

Love  and  grief  my  heart  dividing, 
With  my  tears  his  feet  I'll  bathe  5 


HYMNS.  133 

Constant  still  in  faith  abiding, 
Life  deriving  from  his  death. 

Truly  blessed  is  this  station — 

Low  before  his  cross  I'll  lie  ; 
While  I  see  divine  compassion 

Floating  in  his  languid  eye  $ 

Here  I'll  sit — forever  viewing 
Mercy  streaming  in  his  blood : 

Precious  drops,  my  soul  bedewing, 
Plead  and  claim  my  peace  with  God. 

12.— L.  M. 

Hidings  of  GocVs  face. 
HAPPY  the  hours,  the  golden  days, 
When  I  could  call  my  Jesus  mine, 
And  sit,  and  view  his  smiling  face, 
And  melt  in  pleasures  all  divine. 

But  now  lie's  gone,  (O  mighty  wo !) 
Gone  from  my  soul  and  hides  his  love  I 
I  hate  the  sins  that  griev'd  him  so, 
The  sins  that  forc'd  him  to  remove ! 

Yet  let  my  hope  look  through  my  tears, 
And  spy  afar  his  rolling  throne, 
His  chariot  through  the  cleaving  spheres 
Shall  bring  the  bright  Beloved  down. 

Swift  as  a  roe  flies  o'er  the  hills, 

My  soul  springs  out  to  meet  him  high: 


134  HYMNS. 

Then  shall  the  conqu'ror  turn  his  wheels 
And  climb  the  mansion  of  the  sky. 

as.— L.  M. 

T7ie  morning  emblemtitic  of  eternal  day 

IN  sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid, 
I  safely  pass'd  the  silent  night : 

Again  I  see  the  breaking  shade, 
Again  behold  the  morning  light. 

New-born,  I  bless  the  waking  hour, 
Once  more,  with  awe,  rejoice  to  be  : 

My  conscious  soul  resumes  her  pow'r, 
And  springs,  my  guardian  God  !  to  thee. 

O  guide  me  through  the  various  maze 
My  doubtful  feet  are  doom'd  to  tread  ; 

And  spread  thy  shield's  protecting  blaze 
Where  dangers  press  around  my  head. 

A  deeper  shade  shall  soon  impend  $ 
A  deeper  sleep  my  eyes  oppress  : 

Yet  then  thy  strength  shall  still  defend, 
Thy  goodness  still  delight  to  bless. 

That  deeper  shade  shall  break  away ; 

That  deeper  sleep  shall  leave  my  eyes : 
Thy  light  shall  give  eternal  day  $ 

Thy  love  the  raptures  of  the  skies. 


! 


HYMNS.  135 

14. — S.  M.  — Morning. 

WE  lift  our  hearts  to  thee, 

O  Day-star  from  on  high! 
The  sun  itself  is  but  thy  shade, 

Yet  cheers  both  earth  and  sky. 

O  let  thy  orient  beams 

The  night  of  sin  disperse, 
The  mist  of  error  and  of  vice, 

Which  shade  the  universe  ! 

How  beautious  nature  now! 

How  dark  and  sad  before! 
With  joy  we  view  the  pleasing  change, 

And  nature's  God  adore. 

O  may  no  gloomy  crime 

Pollute  the  rising  day  $ 
May  Jesus'  blood,  like  evening  dew, 

Wash  all  our  stains  away. 

May  we  this  life  improve, 

To  mourn  for  errors  past : 
And  live  this  short  revolving  day, 

As  if  it  were  our  last. 

To  God,  the  Father,  Son, 

And  Spirit,  one  in  three, 
Be  glory,  as  it  was,  is  now, 

And  shall  for  ever  be. 


136  HYMNS. 

13.- L.  M. 

The,  Lord's  Bay. 

ANOTHER  six  day's  work  is  done, 
Another  sabbath  is  begun  : 
Return,  my  soul,  enjoy  thy  rest, 
Improve  the  day  thy  God  has  blest 

Come,  bless  the  Lord,  whose  love  assigns 
So  sweet  a  rest  to  wearied  minds ; 
Provides  an  antepast  of  heav'n, 
And  gives  this  day  the  food  of  sev'n. 

0  that  our  thoughts  and  thanks  may  rise, 
As  grateful  incense,  to  the  skies  ; 
And  draw  from  heav'n  that  sweet  repose, 
Which  none,  but  he  who  feels  it,  knows. 

With  joy,  great  God !  thy  works  we  view 
In  various  scenes  both  old  and  new  ; 
With  praise  we  think  on  mercies  past, 
With  hope  we  future  pleasures  taste. 

In  holy  duties  let  the  day, 
In  holy  pleasures  pass  away  : 
How  sweet,  a  sabbath  thus  to  spend, 
In  hope  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  end. 

16.— C.  M. 

Sabbath  Morning.     Ps.  cxviii.  24. 

ON  this  sweet  morn  my  Lord  arose, 
Triumphant  o'er  the  grave  ! 


HYMNS.  1S7 

He  dies  to  vanquish  all  my  foes, 
And  lives  again  to  save. 

This  is  the  day  for  holy  rest, 

Yet  clouds  will  gather  soon, 
Except  my  Lord  become  my  guest, 

And  put  my  harp  in  tune. 

No  heavenly  fire  my  heart  can  raise, 

Without  the  Spirit's  aid  ; 
His  breath  must  kindle  pray'r  and  praise, 

Or  I  am  cold  and  dead. 

On  all  the  flocks  thy  Spirit  pour, 

And  saving  health  convey ; 
A  sweet,  refreshing  Sunday  shower 

Will  make  them  sing  and  pray. 

Direct  thy  shepherds  how  to  feed 
The  flocks  of  thy  own  choice  ; 

Give  savour  to  the  heavenly  bread, 
And  bid  the  folds  rejoice. 

17. — S.  M. — Evening. 
THE  day  is  past  and  gone, 

The  evening  shades  appear, 
Oh,  may  I  ever  keep  in  mind, 

The  night  of  death  draws  near. 

I  lay  my  garments  by, 

Upon  my  bed  to  rest, 
So  death  will  soon  remove  me  hence, 

And  leave  my  soul  undrest. 
18 


138  HYMN'S. 

Lord,  keep  me  safe  this  night, 

Secure  from  all  my  fears; 
May  angels  guard  me  while  I  sleep, 

Till  morning  light  appears. 

And  when  I  early  rise, 

To  view  th'  unwearied  sun, 

May  I  set  out  to  win  the  prize, 
And  after  glory  run  : 

That  when  my  days  are  past, 

And  I  from  time  remove, 
Lord,  I  may  in  thy  bosom  rest, 

The  bosom  of  thy  love. 

18.— C.  M. 
Evening  Hymn, 

NOW,  from  the  altar  of  our  hearts 

Let  incense  flames  arise; 
Assist  us,  Lord,  to  oft'er  up 

Our  evening  sacrifice. 

Awake,  our  love,  awake,  our  joy ; 

Awake  our  hearts  and  tongue  : 
Sleep  not  when  mercies  loudly  call, 

Break  forth  into  a  song. 

Minutes  and  mercies  multiply'd, 
Have  made  up  all  this  day ; 

Minutes  came  quick,  but  mercies  were 
More  fleet  and  free  than  they. 


HYMNS.  139 

New  times,  new  favours,  and  new  joys, 

Do  a  new  song  require ; 
Till  we  shall  praise  thee  as  we  would, 

Accept  our  hearts'  desire. 

Lord  of  our  time,  whose  hand  hath  set 

New  time  upon  our  score  $ 
Thee  may  we  praise  for  all  our  time, 

When  time  shall  be  no  more. 

19.— C.  M. 

Lord's  Day  Evening. 

WHEN,  O  dear  Jesus,  when  shall  I 

Behold  thee  all  serene ; 
Blest  in  perpetual  sabbath-day, 

Without  a  veil  between  ! 

Assist  me,  while  I  wander  here, 

Amidst  a  world  of  cares ; 
Incline  my  heart  to  pray  with  love* 

And  then  accept  my  prayers. 

Release  my  soul  from  ev'ry  chain, 

No  more  hell's  captive  led  ; 
And  pardon  a  repenting  child, 

For  whom  the  Saviour  bled. 

Spare  me,  my  God,  0  spare  the  soul 

That  gives  itself  to  thee  ; 
Take  all  that  I  possess  below, 

And  give  thyself  to  me. 


140  HYMNS. 

Thy  Spirit,  O  my  Father,  give, 

To  be  my  guide  and  friend, 
To  light  my  path  to  ceaseless  joys, 

To  sabbaths  without  end. 

20.— C.  M. 

An  Evening  Song. 

DREAD  Soy-reign,  let  my  evening  song 

Like  holy  incense  rise  ! 
Assist  the  offerings  of  my  tongue 

To  reach  the  lofty  skies. 

Through  all  the  dangers  of  the  day, 
Thy  hand  was  still  my  guard, 

And  still  to  drive  my  wants  away 
Thy  mercy  stood  prepared. 

Perpetual  blessings  from  above 

Encompass  me  around, 
But  oh  1  how  few  returns  of  love 

Hath  my  Creator  found. 

What  have  I  done  for  him  that  died 

To  save  my  wretched  soul ! 
How  are  my  follies  multiplied, 

Fast  as  my  minutes  roll ! 

Lord,  with  this  guilty  heart  of  mine 

To  thy  dear  cross  I  flee, 
And  to  thy  grace  my  soul  resign 

To  be  renew'd  bv  thee. 


HYMNS.  141 

Sprinkled  afresh  with  pardoning  blood 

I  lay  me  down  to  rest, 
As  in  the  embraces  of  my  God, 

Or  on  my  Saviour's  breast. 

21.— C.  M. 

Sick  bed  Devotion;  or,  Pleading  without 

repining. 
GOD  of  my  life,  look  gently  down, 

Behold  the  pains  I  feel ; 
But  I  am  dumb  before  thy  throne, 

Nor  dare  dispute  thy  will- 
Diseases  are  thy  servants,  Lord, 

They  come  at  thy  command ; 
I'll  not  attempt  a  murmuring  word 

Against  thy  chastening  hand. 

Yet  I  may  plead  with  humble  cries, 

Remove  thy  sharp  rebukes ; 
My  strength  consumes,  my  spirit  dies 

Through  thy  repeated  strokes. 

Crush'd  as  a  moth  beneath  thy  hand, 

We  moulder  to  the  dust ; 
Our  feeble  powers  can  ne'er  withstand, 

And  all  our  beauty's  lost. 

I'm  but  a  sojourner  below, 

As  all  my  Fathers  were, 
May  I  be  well  prepar'd  to  go 

When  I  the  summons  hear 


142  HYMNS* 

But  if  my  life  be  spar'd  awhile 

Before  my  last  remove, 
Thy  praise  shall  be  my  business  still, 

And  I'll  declare  thy  love. 

22.— C.  M. 
God  our  help  in  trouble. 

MY  soul,  the  awful  hour  will  come, 

Apace  it  passeth  on, 
To  bear  this  body  to  the  tomb, 

And  thee  to  scenes  unknown^. 

My  heart,  long  laboring  with  its  woes, 

Shall  pant  and  sink  awayj 
And  you,  my  eye-lids,  soon  shall  close 

On  the  last  glimm'ring  ray. 

Whence  in  that  hour  shall  I  receive 

A  cordial  for  my  pain, 
When,  if  earth's  monarchs  were  my  friends, 

Those  friends  would  weep  in  vain  ? 

Great  king  of  nature  and  of  grace ! 

To  thee  my  spirit  flies, 
And  opens  all  its  deep  distress 

Before  thy  pitying  eyes. 

All  its  desires  to  thee  are  known, 

And  ev'ry  secret  fear  \ 
The  meaning  of  each  broken  groan 

Well  notic'd  by  thine  ear. 


HYMNS.  143 

O  fix  me  by  that  mighty  pow'r, 

Which  to  such  love  belongs, 
Where  darkness  veils  the  eyes  no  more, 

And  groans  are  chang'd  to  songs. 

23.— C.  M. 

Sickness  and  recovery. 

MY  God,  thy  service  well  commands 

The  remnant  of  my  days; 
Why  was  this  fleeting  breath  renew'd, 

But  to  renew  thy  praise  ? 

Thine  arms  of  everlasting  love 
Did  this  weak  frame  sustain; 

When  life  was  hov'ring  o'er  the  grave, 
And  nature  sunk  with  pain. 

Thou,  when  the  pains  of  death  were  felt, 
Didst  chase  the  fears  of  hell ; 

And  teach  my  pale  and  quiv'ring  lips 
Thy  matchless  grace  to  tell. 

Calmly  I  bow'd  my  fainting  head 

On  thy  dear  faithful  breast ; 
Pleas'd  to  obey  my  Father's  call 

To  his  eternal  rest. 

Into  thy  hands,  my  Saviour  God, 

Did  I  my  soul  resign  : 
In  firm  dependence  on  that  truth, 

Which  made  salvation  mine. 


144  HYMNS. 

Back  from  the  borders  of  the  grave, 

At  thy  command  I  come  : 
Nor  will  I  urge  a  speedier  flight, 

To  my  celestial  home. 

94.— C.  M. 

The  Lord's  Prayer, 

OUR  Father  who  in  heaven  art, 
Ail  hallow'd  be  thy  name ; 

Thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done 
Throughout  this  earthly  frame. 

As  cheerfully  as  'tis  with  those 
Who  dwell  with  thee  on  high, 

So  let  thy  bounty  day  by  day, 
Our  daily  wants  supply. 

As  we  forgive  our  enemies, 
Thy  pardon,  Lord,  we  crave  $ 

Into  temptation  lead  us  not, 
But  us  from  evil  save. 

For  kingdom,  power  and  glory  all, 
Belong,  O  Lord,  to  thee  ; 

Thine  from  eternity  they  were, 
And  thine  shall  ever  be. 


THE   END. 


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